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US insurance giant Aflac says customers’ personal data stolen during cyberattack
Aflac, a leading U.S. insurance company, reported a cyberattack on its network where hackers stole personal data of customers, including Social Security numbers. The incident occurred on June 12, and while Aflac contained it, the number of affected individuals is still unknown. The breach was attributed to a cybercrime group targeting the insurance industry, utilizing social engineering tactics.
Key points
- Aflac confirmed a cyberattack involving customer data theft on June 12.
- Personal data stolen includes Social Security numbers, health information, and data from beneficiaries, employees, and agents.
- The breach was not caused by ransomware but linked to a cybercrime group known as Scattered Spider.
- Scattered Spider is known for social engineering tactics and has a history of targeting help desks in companies.
- Aflac has around 50 million customers, but the exact number affected by this breach is undetermined.
- This incident follows other cybersecurity breaches in the U.S. insurance sector.
Why it matters
- The cyberattack on Aflac is part of a broader trend where hackers are increasingly targeting the insurance industry.
- In recent weeks, other insurance companies have reported similar cyber intrusions, indicating a coordinated increase in cyberattacks.
- The use of social engineering by hackers reflects a significant trend in cybersecurity threats across various sectors.
The Aflac cyberattack highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the insurance sector to sophisticated cyber threats, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and awareness against social engineering tactics.