TDCI Warns Tennesseans to Protect Their Personal Information After Premera Attack

NASHVILLE –The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is alerting Tennessee consumers to take precautions now to protect their personal information after a cyber attack on health-benefits company Premera Blue Cross was disclosed earlier this week.

The company estimated that 11 million U.S. consumers could potentially be affected by the cyber breach, including more than 16,000 insurance consumers in Tennessee. 

Federal law enforcement authorities are in the midst of investigating the cyber attack.

TDCI Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak wants Tennessee insurance consumers to protect themselves from possible identity theft and fraud that could occur after the breach.

“We urge insurance consumers who may have been affected to change their passwords, check their credit reports and monitor all accounts that contain sensitive personal information,” McPeak said. “Our insurance regulators are closely monitoring the situation and receiving regular updates about the status of the investigation.”

The attack may have compromised members’ information, which could include names, date of birth, email addresses, addresses, telephone numbers, Social Security numbers, member identification numbers, bank account information, and claims information, including clinical information.

Consumers who believe they have been affected by the breach can receive a free two-year membership in credit monitoring and identity theft protection through the company.

Premera will begin informing affected customers via postal mail if they have been affected.

If you believe you may have been impacted and have not received a letter by April 20, 2015, you should call 800-768-5817.