Centene’s $11M Oopsie: When Security Snafus Cost Less Than a Coffee Run
Health Net Federal Services and its parent, Centene Corporation, are forking over $11 million for allegedly fibbing about cybersecurity measures in a contract with the Department of Defense. Despite this hefty sum, Centene’s profits remain unscathed, leaving the company more tickled than slapped. Safeguarding military health data? Apparently, a bit of a security SNAFU.
Hot Take:
Centene Corporation and Health Net Federal Services are stuck in the penalty box, shelling out $11 million for playing fast and loose with cybersecurity rules. It’s like getting fined for jaywalking when you own the highway! But don’t worry, they didn’t admit guilt, so at least their conscience is clear. Who knew non-compliance could be so profitable?
Key Points:
- Centene Corporation and Health Net Federal Services will pay $11,253,400 to settle claims of falsely certifying cybersecurity compliance with the Department of Defense.
- The settlement involves the administration of the TRICARE health benefits program for military personnel across 22 states.
- HNFS reportedly ignored third-party security audits and internal cybersecurity risk assessments between 2015 and 2018.
- No determination of liability was made, and no sensitive data was alleged to have been stolen or lost.
- The $11 million penalty is a drop in the ocean for Centene, which reported $163.1 billion in revenue last year.
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