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.

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

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.

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