US-based consumer-rights class-action law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro has launched an investigation into the cyber security data breach that hit the nation's second-largest health insurance company, Anthem.
The US firm has lost the personal information of tens of millions of citizens insured by it, according to attorneys at Hagens Berman.
Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro managing partner Steve Berman said: "This is a serious cybersecurity hack – affecting consumers’ names, addresses, Social Security Numbers, occupation and income data and more.
"The damage done here involves highly sensitive information. A compromised Social Security Number is likely irreversible damage, and we intend to hold Anthem accountable for this massive breach of information."
The data stolen included the individuals’ names, addresses and social security numbers, which is expected to cause "likely irreversible damage."
Hackers collapsed the database, which included personal information of around 80 million Anthem customers and employees.
According to Hagens Berman partner and former federal cyber-prosecutor Thomas Loeser, Anthem customers and employees could be subject to tax return fraud.
As per media reports, Anthem is said to have 37.5 million medical members as of December 2014.
Image: Hagens Berman has launched an investigation into the Anthem breach. Photo: courtesy of Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP.