Allianz Life Confirms Data Breach Affecting 1.5M U.S. Customers
Allianz Life Insurance Company has confirmed a data breach affecting nearly 1.5 million U.S. customers. The incident, which occurred on July 16, saw sensitive information stolen, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. The attack was claimed by the Pear ransomware gang and is part of a wider campaign targeting the auto insurance industry.
Allianz Life has updated regulatory filings to reveal the extent of the breach. The stolen information ranges from names and addresses to Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers. The company has stated that the incident is limited to U.S. customers and that there is no evidence other car insurance systems were accessed.
The attack was part of a wider campaign by the Scattered Spider cybercriminal group. Other insurance companies, such as Aflac, Erie Insurance, and Philadelphia Insurance Companies, have also been affected. This is not the first time the group has targeted the car insurance industry, with software providers for vehicle sellers also becoming attractive targets due to market consolidation. In 2021, the CDK ransomware attack caused widespread issues for car dealerships.
The Pear ransomware gang, which emerged in August, has targeted dozens of companies and government entities. The gang claimed responsibility for the attack on Allianz Life, stating that they had stolen sensitive information from customers, financial professionals, and employees.
In a separate incident, software company Motility warned customers of a data security incident discovered on August 19. Hackers stole personal information on 766,670 people before encrypting the company's systems. Motility provides software to recreational vehicle dealers and did not respond to a request for comment.
Allianz Life has filed breach notices but did not disclose the number of affected individuals at the time. The company has now confirmed that 1.49 million customers had information exposed in the July 16 car insurance data breach. Customers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor their car insurance quotes for any suspicious activity. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the auto insurance industry.
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