Aetna News Alerts
Aetna has protected its systems against “ShellShock” software bug
Experts recently disclosed a software bug in a utility that is commonly used in computers, servers and even smartphones and other Internet-connected devices, called ShellShock.
Aetna immediately assessed our exposure. We’ve implemented security controls to guard against this vulnerability, and have patched all critical systems involved in the processing of customer data. Our security experts continue to analyze system and data components to assure the continued protection of our member, plan sponsor and provider data.
In addition to addressing our own infrastructure, we are diligently working through every third-party vendor relationship to identify potential exposures, then working closely with our vendor partners to assure the remediation of the vulnerability.
We are confident in the proactive steps we have taken since learning of this vulnerability on September 25.
Laptop Security is a High Priority
Your laptop allows you to work while being mobile. However, without proper security practices, your laptop is very susceptible to being lost or stolen. Besides the financial cost of replacing a laptop, the consequences of a lost or stolen device can include:
- Loss of customer confidential and sensitive data
- Fines and penalties associated with loss of customer data
- Damage to company reputation
- Company’s competitive position is jeopardized
If at all possible, do not store customer sensitive data (member SSN) on your device. Our customer information must be protected at all times and should only be used and/or stored when absolutely necessary.
Encrypt your hard drive
Encrypting the hard drive of your device is the best practice to secure its data. Recommended encryption tool options are:
At the workplace
Whether you are in the office or teleworking, follow these steps to protect your laptop:
- Use a cable-locking device, even if you plan to be away from your desk for only a few minutes
- Store your laptop in a locked cabinet if you are leaving it for an extended period of time
While traveling
Keep your device with you at all times and do the following:
- Automobiles
- Hide it from view (preferably in the trunk) and lock the car
- Hide the laptop before you leave for your destination. Do not wait until you arrive at the destination to hide the laptop—thieves are known to watch for such activity
- Do not place the laptop in
- Hotels
- Lock your laptop in the room safe or the hotel’s safe (be sure to get a receipt) when you are away from your room.
- If the hotel safe cannot accommodate your laptop, use your cable lock to secure it to a non-moveable fixture (such as a floor or wall anchored light) while the laptop is not in use.
- Airport
- Place your laptop on the conveyor belt as the very last item so you can retrieve it immediately following its security scan
- While waiting in line or in a lobby, keep the strap of your carry case on your arm or around your leg – do not place the item on the ground
Be prepared in the event your laptop is lost
Record the laptop’s serial number and store it in a safe place, such as your wallet. This will facilitate recovery efforts and identify you as the owner of the laptop if it is lost or stolen.
If your laptop is stolen or lost on which you were conducting Aetna business, immediately notify the SPOC (Single Point of Contact) at (888) 905-9500.
Heartbleed Alert
The recently announced “Heartbleed” vulnerability impacts a piece of software known as OpenSSL – a common software package used to assure the secure communication of data across the internet.
Like many organizations, Aetna has been working diligently to assess the impact of Heartbleed on our customers and information systems. To date we have determined that our core customer-serving and external facing systems are not impacted.
We have also instituted remediation plans to assure that we quickly address any vulnerable systems, should they be identified. We will take other precautions as necessary to protect customer data. In addition to assessing our own infrastructure, we are diligently evaluating third-party vendor appliances and applications that may be impacted. We will work closely with any impacted vendors to monitor remediation of the vulnerability.
We initiated these proactive steps following the announcement of this vulnerability on April 7.
Current calling scams may name Aetna
February 2014
Aetna has become aware of impostors who are calling people – often multiple times a day – and fraudulently claiming to be from Aetna. The calls may be from an automated service that repeatedly dials a number or from a live person. These calls are not being placed by, or at the direction of, Aetna.
By falsely claiming to represent Aetna, one of our companies or any other reputable company, these scam artists want to trick you into (a) sharing personal information that they will use to later steal from you; or (b) giving them money for promised goods or services that you will never receive. This form of fraud is called "phishing" and it is illegal.
What to do with a suspicious call
If you have any suspicions about a call or caller –
- Do not pick up the call.
- If you have answered, hang up immediately. Do not give out personal details.
- Refrain from pushing a button to remove your number from the caller’s list. This may confirm that the scammer has reached a live, active phone number.
- Report the number to the local fraud unit of your telephone company.
- Report the number to the Federal Trade Commission.
A suspicious number
One suspicious telephone number that has come to our attention is 571-441-0062. That number is not from Aetna or any vendor working for Aetna.
Spoofing Your Number
Aetna also has received reports that legitimate business owners have received calls from scam artists purporting to represent Aetna. Thereafter, the telephone number of that legitimate business starts cropping up on the caller IDs of other people who then receive calls from these same apparent scam artists. The technology to fake a caller ID is called "spoofing," and it is a way to disguise the source of the incoming call.
Aetna does not "spoof" the numbers of our customers or potential customers. If your number has been spoofed, report it to the local fraud unit of your telephone company and the Federal Trade Commission.
If You Think You've Been Scammed
If you believe you are a victim of a phishing scam, act quickly. Contact your financial institution immediately to report your suspicions. In many instances, you can ask your financial institution to impose a password protection to prevent the unauthorized release of funds. If necessary, report any loss of funds to your bank, the police, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Legitimate Aetna Calls
Aetna complies with the law when making calls to our members and business associates. We may need more information about a claim, for example, or we may be reaching out as part of our care management programs. If you are uneasy giving information to someone who says they are from Aetna – don’t. Instead, call the Member Services number on your ID card. Ask to have your call directed to the department asking for the information. That way, you can be sure you are giving the information to Aetna.
Want to know more about protecting your identity? Here’s another resource.
