Allianz Life, one of the biggest insurance companies in the United States, recently experienced their own significant data breach. This breach has led to concerns over the security of consumer data. The breach, which occurred earlier this month, resulted in hackers stealing sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, from its database.
The breach has forced Allianz Life to inform affected parties, including a notification filing with the Texas attorney general’s office. In addition to that, a separate Flying Forward notification went to the Massachusetts attorney general’s office. It verified that the affected data did indeed contain Social Security numbers. The company’s database had these Social Security numbers, plus each customer’s name, date of birth, and postal address.
The hack has raised alarms across the insurance industry as it exposes the vulnerabilities that can affect even established companies like Allianz Life. Hackers reportedly downloaded everything from travel details to social security numbers to encrypted passwords, which is what makes this breach such a nightmare for customers involved.
Zack Whittaker, security editor of TechCrunch, first reported the breach. He went on to explain that notifications were filed with various U.S. state attorney general offices regarding the breach. Allianz Life has committed to communicating further with those impacted by the breach. They’re informing the public as to what data might have been breached.
We’re out there making noise, shaking hands, doing everything we can to make sure customers know what’s happening. We aim to educate consumers about the dangers of having personal information stolen. We’d like to think the insurance giant has taken other steps to improve its cybersecurity procedures and keep such breaches from happening again.
“The letters will offer specific information relevant to impacted individuals including the type of data that may have been affected.”
This proactive communication aims to ensure that customers are aware of the potential risks associated with the theft of their personal information. The insurance giant is likely working on additional measures to enhance its cybersecurity protocols to prevent future breaches.