Aflac customer data breached by cybercriminals in latest hit on US insurance industry

Core Insights - Aflac has experienced a significant data breach, potentially compromising sensitive customer information including Social Security numbers and health data, marking it as the largest insurance company affected by such a cyberattack [1][2] - The breach was attributed to a sophisticated cybercrime group, with Aflac stating that their systems were not impacted by ransomware and that they are fully operational [2][3] Company Summary - Aflac is currently unable to determine the total number of individuals affected or the specific data that was stolen, but it has engaged third-party cybersecurity experts to address the situation [2] - The company detected suspicious activity and halted the intrusion within hours on June 12 [2] Industry Context - The recent hacks affecting Aflac, Erie Insurance, and Philadelphia Insurance Companies are believed to be linked to a group known as Scattered Spider, which employs social engineering tactics to manipulate employees into granting access to company systems [3][6] - Scattered Spider is known for targeting various organizations, including recent attacks on UK retailers and Las Vegas casinos, raising alarms within the cybersecurity community regarding the vulnerability of the US insurance industry [7][8]