Aflac Cyber Breach May Expose Customer Health Data, Social Security Numbers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The American health insurance giant Aflac said it had suffered a cybersecurity breach that has potentially exposed customer information related to health, claims, Social Security numbers, and other personal details.
"We have engaged leading third-party cybersecurity experts to support our response to this incident," Aflac said in a statement disclosing the breach, which occurred on June 12, 2025, and which the company said was stopped "within hours".
"While the investigation remains in its early stages, in the spirit of transparency and care for our customers, we are sharing that our preliminary findings indicate that the unauthorized party used social engineering tactics to gain access to our network.
"Additionally, we have commenced a review of potentially impacted files. It is important to note that the review is in its early stages, and we are unable to determine the total number of affected individuals until that review is completed.
"The potentially impacted files contain claims information, health information, social security numbers, and/or other personal information, related to customers, beneficiaries, employees, agents, and other individuals in our U.S. business."
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
25 minutes ago
- Associated Press
DATA BREACH ALERT: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Is Investigating Claims On Behalf Of Aflac Incorporated Customers Whose Data May Have Been Compromised
NEWTOWN, Pa., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating data privacy claims regarding an incident at Aflac Incorporated ('Aflac'). Aflac learned of suspicious activity on its network or about June 12, 2025. About Aflac Incorporated Aflac, a Fortune 500 company, is known for its specialized insurance products that help cover expenses that health insurance may not. Originally established as the American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, it officially shortened its name to Aflac in 1989. What happened? On or around June 12, 2025, Aflac discovered suspicious activity on its network. They immediately launched an investigation and have since determined that this breach was caused by a group of cybercriminals, who potentially gained access to personal information. What type of information was stolen? The personal information in the compromised files may have included: How can I protect my personal data? If you receive a data breach notification concerning Aflac, you must guard against identity theft and fraud by regularly reviewing your account statements and monitoring your credit reports for suspicious or unauthorized activity. Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a class action lawsuit to seek legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised by the Aflac data breach. For more information, please contact: Marc H. Edelson, Esq. EDELSON LECHTZIN LLP 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300 Newtown, PA 18940 Phone: 844-696-7492 ext. 2 Email: [email protected] About Edelson Lechtzin LLP Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to cases involving data breaches, our lawyers focus on class and collective litigation in cases alleging securities and investment fraud, violations of the federal antitrust laws, employee benefit plans under ERISA, wage theft and unpaid overtime, consumer fraud, and catastrophic injuries. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.
USA Today
39 minutes ago
- USA Today
Which 13 states don't tax retirement income?
You may retire from work, but you'll never quite retire from paying taxes. How much you'll pay once you retire depends on the state where you reside. Here are 13 states that don't currently tax retirement income. 1. Alaska No one in Alaska pays state taxes because it doesn't levy an income tax. That means that you won't face a state tax bill for Social Security benefits, pension income, or 401(k) or IRA distributions. Here's something to keep in mind if you have a sudden urge to move to the Last Frontier, though: Local sales taxes in Alaska can reach nearly 8% in some areas, so you'll need to be careful about exactly where you settle down. 2. Florida Florida is known for some pretty sweet tax breaks. For example, there's no state tax on: Two points worth considering if you're considering a move there: The state has been hit with ever-rising insurance rates, and if you hope to get around via public transportation, your options may be limited. 3. Illinois Illinois has a relatively reasonable flat income tax rate of 4.95%. Even better, it doesn't tax retirement income. That means your Social Security benefits, 401(k) and IRA distributions and pension are exempt from state taxes. While retirees get a break, the state does tax investment income, estates worth more than $4 million, and groceries. Also, the sales tax is one of the highest in the country. 4. Iowa Social Security benefits are not taxed, regardless of age. Also, the state doesn't tax retirement income for those 55 and older. This includes distributions from 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans; SEP plans and SIMPLE retirement plans. 5. Mississippi There's a good reason Mississippi is considered tax friendly. The Hospitality State exempts Social Security benefits, pensions and 401(k) and IRA distributions from taxes. While you'll pay a flat state income tax of 4.4% on other types of income exceeding $10,000, there is no estate or inheritance tax in Mississippi, and the income tax rate is scheduled to drop to 4% next year. 6. Nevada Any wages, retirement or investment income you earn while living in Nevada is tax-free. Property taxes aren't bad, but the sales tax is 6.85%, higher than you'll find in most other states. 7. New Hampshire Like Alaska, New Hampshire doesn't levy regular income tax. That means you won't owe taxes on Social Security benefits, pensions or IRA and 401(k) distributions. The cherries on top? The dividend and interest taxes were repealed earlier this year, and New Hampshire is one of the few states with no sales tax. 8. Pennsylvania Pennsylvania offers an attractive flat income tax rate of 3.07%, and you won't pay a penny on IRA and 401(k) distributions, Social Security or pensions. If you're considering a move, you might want to keep the state's heavy inheritance tax in mind, though. 9. South Dakota South Dakota is more than Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore (although those are pretty great features). The state doesn't tax personal income, meaning your retirement income is 100% safe from state taxes. You won't have to pay taxes on income from dividends or interest, either. Plus, South Dakota doesn't collect inheritance or estate taxes. 10. Tennessee Like many of the states listed here, Tennessee doesn't tax personal income. If you're a resident, that means you can collect your Social Security benefits, pension and 401(k) or IRA distributions free of state tax. 11. Texas Joining the list of retiree-friendly states, Texas levies no personal income tax, meaning any money you earn on the job, through retirement income, or from an inheritance is tax-free. Where you might get nipped is with the sales tax, which can be quite high depending on where you live. 12. Washington Washington residents not only have access to some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S., but they also live in the Evergreen State without paying personal income taxes. While Washington does tax the sale of assets like stocks and bonds (with gains exceeding $250,000 annually), you won't have to pay tax on Social Security, pension income or 401(k) and IRA distributions. The fly in the ointment is the combined sales tax in Washington, the fourth highest in the nation. 13. Wyoming If you live in Wyoming, you don't have to pay state income tax on wages, investment earnings, or any retirement and pension income, including Social Security and military retirement benefits. In addition to keeping a lid on its state and local sales taxes, there's no tax due on interest and dividend income, personal or corporate income or inheritances. Regardless of where you live, keep a close eye on the tax laws in your state, since they're frequently updated. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook Offer from the Motley Fool: If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets"could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. JoinStock Advisorto learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" »
Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Hopes Of Lower Tariffs Against European Cars Are Fading Fast
One of the biggest promises of President Donald J. Trump's electoral race was to impose tariffs on foreign imports, and shortly after he was inaugurated for the second time, "tariffs" quickly became one of the buzzwords of his presidency. When it comes to cars, just about anything produced outside of American borders is going to get a lot more expensive, and due to vastly complex international supply chains, even domestically produced products could be impacted. But there was a glimmer of hope that the president would change - or at least soften - his stance against America's allies in Europe. European Union leaders had publicly expressed this expectation, citing a history of cooperation. However, as the July 9 deadline for tariffs to be further increased approaches, hope is fading, reports Reuters. The publication spoke to an anonymous official who reportedly noted that hopes of relief are fading faster now that tariffs have come into effect: "10% is a sticky issue. We are pressing them, but now they are getting revenues." A second source reportedly said the EU still would not accept the baseline rate but acknowledged that it would be difficult to change or abolish the measure. The European Union has also publicly declared that it would not accept double-digit tariffs as the United Kingdom has, but U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has ruled out the idea of any tariffs being lowered under the 10 percent baseline. What makes this worse is that the tariffs don't only apply to finished products; steel and aluminum from Europe face a 50 percent tariff, and that doesn't even include the standalone 25 percent tariff on foreign cars. The good news is that Europe, with a trade surplus of $236 billion with the U.S., needs to continue doing business with the largest economy in the world, so your local BMW dealer isn't closing up shop anytime soon. An EU official is quoted by Reuters as saying that the 10% baseline rate would "not massively erode competitive positions, especially if others receive the same treatment." And although hope of a compromise is fading, it hasn't been extinguished just yet. As noted by CarScoops, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed that negotiations are still underway, despite President Trump's assertion earlier this week that the EU hadn't been fair thus far. "We're talking, but I don't feel that they're offering a fair deal yet," said President Trump. "They're either going to make a good deal or they'll just pay whatever we say they have to pay." Von der Leyen said, "It's complex, but we are advancing - that is good - and I push hard to pick up more speed. So we are mixed in the negotiations, and we will see what the end brings." The United States government is adamant that its long-standing partners are benefitting more from the status quo than America is, and that mindset means that any price increases as a result of tariffs on EU imports will likely not be small. That said, automakers are working to find ways of absorbing as much of the financial strain as possible, and one way of doing that is by pushing sales of existing inventory with incentives and employee pricing offers. Related: Mercedes CEO Has a Trump Tariff Deal That Could Reshape US-EU Auto Trade Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
