Protecting Yourself After the AT&T Data Breach

Affecting Nearly Every AT&T Customer!

Primary Category: Cybersecurity News

Author:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

In 2024, AT&T experienced a significant data breach that affected approximately 73 million customers, exposing sensitive information like names, addresses, and Social Security Numbers.

Table of contents

Initially revealed in 2021 and confirmed in March 2024, the breach led to widespread concern. Customers should immediately update passwords, enable two-factor authentication, monitor financial accounts, check credit reports, use identity theft protection, be wary of phishing attempts, freeze credit, update device security, educate themselves on cyber threats, and stay informed on legal recourse.

Taking these steps can help mitigate risks and protect personal information.

Protecting Yourself After the AT&T Data Breach

Protecting Yourself After the AT&T Data Breach

AT&T experienced a significant data breach that impacted approximately 73 million current and former customers, exposing sensitive personal information. This breach, attributed to a cyberattack, compromised data including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers, and email addresses. The breach was initially revealed in 2021 but only confirmed by AT&T in March 2024, causing widespread concern among customers regarding their privacy and security.

According to USA Today:

In 2024, AT&T experienced a significant data breach that impacted approximately 73 million current and former customers, exposing sensitive personal information. This breach, attributed to a cyberattack, compromised data including names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers, and email addresses. The breach was initially revealed in 2021 but only confirmed by AT&T in March 2024, causing widespread concern among customers regarding their privacy and security.

The telecom giant on Friday, July 12, 2024, said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission it learned in April that customer data was illegally downloaded “from our workspace on a third-party cloud platform.”

According to the company, the compromised data includes files containing AT&T records of all calls and texts of nearly all of AT&T’s cellular customers and AT&T landline customers who interacted with those cellular numbers between May 1, 2022 and Oct. 31, 2022. The compromised data also includes records from Jan. 2, 2023, for a”very small number of customers.”

According to AT&T March 2024

AT&T has determined that AT&T data-specific fields were contained in a data set released on the dark web; source is still being assessed.

AT&T* has determined that AT&T data-specific fields were contained in a data set released on the dark web approximately two weeks ago. While AT&T has made this determination, it is not yet known whether the data in those fields originated from AT&T or one of its vendors. With respect to the balance of the data set, which includes personal information such as social security numbers, the source of the data is still being assessed.

AT&T has launched a robust investigation supported by internal and external cybersecurity experts. Based on our preliminary analysis, the data set appears to be from 2019 or earlier, impacting approximately 7.6 million current AT&T account holders and approximately 65.4 million former account holders.

Currently, AT&T does not have evidence of unauthorized access to its systems resulting in exfiltration of the data set. The company is communicating proactively with those impacted and will be offering credit monitoring at our expense where applicable. We encourage current and former customers with questions to visit www.att.com/accountsafety for more information.

As of today [March 30, 2024], this incident has not had a material impact on AT&T’s operations.

What AT&T Customers Should Do Now

1. Change Account Passwords and Security Questions: Update all passwords associated with your AT&T accounts, including any linked accounts. Ensure that your new passwords are strong and unique.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on all accounts to add an extra layer of security. This can prevent unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.

3. Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial accounts for any unusual activity. Report any suspicious transactions immediately.

4. Check Credit Reports: Obtain and review your credit reports from the major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look for any unfamiliar accounts or activities that could indicate identity theft.

5. Use Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider enrolling in identity theft protection services that can help monitor your personal information and alert you to potential fraud. AT&T has been urged to provide such services to affected customers.

6. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: With your information potentially exposed, be extra cautious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages asking for personal information. Verify the sender’s identity before responding or clicking on links.

7. Freeze Your Credit: Placing a credit freeze on your files can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission. This is a useful measure to protect against identity theft.

8. Update Security on All Devices: Ensure that your devices (computers, smartphones, tablets) are protected with updated antivirus software, firewalls, and the latest security patches.

9. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest security practices and scam tactics. Knowledge is your first line of defense against cyber threats.

10. Legal Recourse: Stay updated on any class-action lawsuits or legal actions being taken against AT&T. You may be eligible for compensation or other remedies as the case progresses.

The AT&T data breach has highlighted the critical importance of robust security measures and timely disclosures by companies to protect their customers. By taking proactive steps to secure your personal information, you can mitigate the risks and safeguard your identity in the wake of this incident.

Please Leave Us Your Comment
Also, tell us of any topics we might have missed.

Leave a Reply

Your comments help the SCARS Institute better understand all scam victim/survivor experiences and improve our services and processes. Thank you

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.

Recent Reader Comments

Did you find this article useful?

If you did, please help the SCARS Institute to continue helping Scam Victims to become Survivors.

Your gift helps us continue our work and help more scam victims to find the path to recovery!

You can give at donate.AgainstScams.org

Important Information for New Scam Victims

If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org

If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines

A Question of Trust

At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.

SCARS Resources:

-/ 30 /-

What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

More ScamsNOW.com Articles

SCARS LINKS:   AgainstScams.org    RomanceScamsNOW.com    ContraEstafas.org    ScammerPhotos.com    Anyscam.com    ScamsNOW.com

reporting.AgainstScams.org    support.AgainstScams.org    membership.AgainstScams.org    donate.AgainstScams.org    shop.AgainstScams.org

youtube.AgainstScams.org    linkedin.AgainstScams.org    facebook.AgainstScams.org

PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
  • Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
  • Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
    Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

Opinions

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The author is solely responsible for the content of their work. SCARS is protected under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) section 230 from liability.

Disclaimer:

SCARS IS A DIGITAL PUBLISHER AND DOES NOT OFFER HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE, LEGAL ADVICE, FINANCIAL ADVICE, OR SERVICES THAT SCARS IS NOT LICENSED OR REGISTERED TO PERFORM.

IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICALLY RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTED ON OUR PAGES.

ALWAYS CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY FOR ANY ADVICE REGARDING LEGAL MATTERS.

A LICENSED FINANCIAL OR TAX PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES OR TAX-RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMATION.

SCARS IS NOT A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – WE DO NOT PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. ANY INVESTIGATIONS THAT SCARS MAY PERFORM IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED TO THIRD-PARTIES. INFORMATION REPORTED TO SCARS MAY BE FORWARDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS SCARS SEE FIT AND APPROPRIATE.

This content and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for licensed or regulated professional advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider, lawyer, financial, or tax professional with any questions you may have regarding the educational information contained herein. SCARS makes no guarantees about the efficacy of information described on or in SCARS’ Content. The information contained is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible situations or effects. SCARS does not recommend or endorse any specific professional or care provider, product, service, or other information that may be mentioned in SCARS’ websites, apps, and Content unless explicitly identified as such.

The disclaimers herein are provided on this page for ease of reference. These disclaimers supplement and are a part of SCARS’ website’s Terms of Use. 

Legal Notices: 

All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2023 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (Registered D.B.A SCARS) All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.

U.S. State of Florida Registration Nonprofit (Not for Profit) #N20000011978 [SCARS DBA Registered #G20000137918] – Learn more at www.AgainstScams.org

SCARS, SCARS|INTERNATIONAL, SCARS, SCARS|SUPPORT, SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|INTERNATION, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS|LATINOAMERICA, SCARS|MEMBER, SCARS|VOLUNTEER, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, SCARS ANGELS, SCARS RANGERS, SCARS MARSHALLS, SCARS PARTNERS, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Contact the legal department for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org