AT&T recently announced a significant data breach that has potentially compromised the data of nearly all its cellular customers. If you were an AT&T customer between May 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022, your data may have been involved in this breach. Additionally, records from January 2, 2023, were also affected for a small number of customers.
Steps to Check if Your Data Was Compromised
AT&T has provided a way for customers to check if their data was compromised. Here’s how you can find out:
- Log into Your Account: AT&T customers can log into their accounts to see if their data was affected. This can be done through the AT&T website or the mobile app.
- Request a Detailed Report: Once logged in, customers can request a report that provides a more user-friendly version of the technical information that was compromised. This report will help customers understand exactly what data was involved.
- Notification from AT&T: The company will also alert affected customers via text, email, or U.S. mail. Be sure to check these communication channels for any notifications from AT&T regarding the breach.
What Data Was Compromised?
The compromised data primarily involves records of calls and texts made by AT&T customers. Importantly, this breach does not include the content of the calls or texts, nor does it involve personal information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, or other personally identifiable information.
Identity Theft Protection
As of now, AT&T is not providing identity theft protection services to the affected customers. However, they have directed customers to visit att.com/DataIncident for more detailed information and updates on the situation.
Delay in Notification
You might be wondering why AT&T waited to alert customers about the breach. Under U.S. securities regulations, companies must disclose data breaches within 30 days of learning about the security issue. AT&T learned about the hack in April but delayed informing customers. This delay was due to coordination with federal agencies such as the Department of Justice and the FBI, which determined that immediate disclosure could pose security risks.
Patrick Schaumont, a professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, explained the gravity of the situation: “The breach is considered a national security concern because these call logs reveal social and/or professional networks of people. If person A has a role relevant to national security, then person A’s social network is a liability. So, person A’s call log must be kept secret. That’s why the Department of Justice prevented AT&T from disclosing the breach until now.”
Investigation and Accountability
AT&T has not disclosed the identity of the hacker or hackers responsible for the breach. However, the company noted that one individual has been apprehended in connection with the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and more details may emerge as authorities continue to probe the breach.
What to Do Next
If you are an AT&T customer, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Monitor Your Account: Regularly check your AT&T account for any unusual activity or notifications regarding the breach.
- Stay Informed: Visit the AT&T Data Incident page for updates and additional information about the breach and the steps the company is taking to address it.
- Consider Identity Theft Protection: Although AT&T is not providing identity theft protection at this time, you may want to consider enrolling in such services independently to safeguard your personal information.
Conclusion
The AT&T data breach is a serious incident that affects millions of customers. By following the steps outlined above, you can determine if your data was compromised and take necessary precautions to protect yourself. Stay vigilant and informed to mitigate any potential risks associated with this breach.
Also Read: Raegan Medgie Age, Biography, Husband, Wikipedia, Salary and More
