O’Toole Renews Call For Immediate Investigation Of Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield Data Breach

Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-40) called today for immediate hearings on the loss of a laptop containing the personal data of more than 300, 000 customers of Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey. The computer was stolen in early January. It was reported that the laptop was taken home by an employee who regularly worked with customer data outside of Horizon offices.

"An immediate investigation into the loss of this information must be launched immediately," O’Toole stated. "How many other Horizon laptops are out there, filled with unencrypted and easily retrievable customer data, just waiting to be lost or stolen?"

"O’Toole noted that the stolen data, which includes names, addresses, and social security numbers, is exactly the type of information that criminals need to commit identity theft.

"This careless management of customer data by Horizon is irresponsible borders on criminal negligence," O’Toole added. "Senate President Codey must schedule hearings to investigate Horizon’s careless approach to client privacy. I also believe the Office of the Attorney General should investigate whether there was a breach of any statutory privacy protections."

Horizon responded to the theft by saying that security procedures meant to prevent the theft of company laptops and confidential data apparently were not followed in this instance.