Health care files a rich trove for identity thieves

The 80 million-person Anthem Inc. data breach jeopardized the identities of more than 750,000 Pennsylvanians, including 51,867 Highmark customers notified by letter last week. It also reminded the information security world that health records — subject to strict privacy requirements — are a rich target for hackers. "The value of personal financial and health records is two or three times [the value of financial information alone], because there's so many more opportunities for fraud," said David Dimond, chief technology officer of EMC Healthcare, a Massachusetts-based technology provider. Combine a Social Security number, birth date and some health history, and a thief can open credit accounts plus bill insurers or the government for fictitious medical care, he noted.