Anthem Blue Cross, one of the nation’s largest health insurance providers, announced last week that it was the target of a cyber-attack in which attackers gained unauthorized access to its IT systems and records.

Members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System were among those impacted. Rita L. Gallardo, division chief of CalPERS’ Office of Stakeholder Relations, issued a statement on Feb. 6, the day after the attack was announced, indicating that CalPERS is in contact with Anthem regarding the attack, and is doing everything possible to protect the personal information of its members and their families. Commentators suggest that the cyber-attack should not seriously affect Anthem members as long as certain precautions are taken to protect and safeguard their information. Specifically, it is recommended that members reset their passwords to prevent identity theft, and keep a watchful eye for “phishing” attacks — e-mails, purporting to derive from Anthem, requesting credit card information and other personal information. Members who receive such “phishing” emails should immediately delete them.