Erie Insurance has announced the restoration of essential services and systems following a system outage that occurred on June 7 due to an information security incident. The company assures customers that no sensitive data was breached during this issue. In a public statement, Erie stated, “After a thorough forensics investigation conducted by independent cybersecurity specialists, there is no evidence that any sensitive personal information, financial records, or legally protected data was breached.”
This incident is part of a broader trend of cyberattacks on insurance companies, as previously reported incidents have affected Tokio Marine’s Philadelphia Insurance Companies and First Insurance Company of Hawaii, both of which also faced significant service disruptions. It was noted that Aflac detected a breach affecting its U.S. network, potentially compromising personal information, allegedly linked to a cybercriminal group known as Scattered Spider.
In the aftermath of these breaches, Erie and Aflac face proposed class action lawsuits from both employees and customers, who claim the companies did not adequately protect their information. Erie has stated that it will contest the claims and legal challenges, emphasizing their commitment to addressing these allegations. Conversely, Aflac is extending its support to affected individuals by offering free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for two years through its dedicated call center.
The cybersecurity incidents faced by these companies highlight the ongoing challenges within the insurance sector related to data protection. While the occurrence of cyberattacks is alarming, it also has prompted companies to improve their cybersecurity measures and foster a culture of vigilance among employees and customers alike. Enhanced awareness and proactive strategies are essential to safeguard against future threats, providing hope for a more secure digital environment in the insurance industry.