AT&T Hack - Stay Informed

On March 30, AT&T went public with the information that their databases had been hacked. According to the multinational telecommunication company, the data of 73 million customers was exposed to the dark web with 7.6 million being current users. Unfortunately, 65.4 million former customers of AT&T were also affected as the stolen data appears to from 2019 or earlier.

In a statement from the company, AT&T shared that “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.” They continued by stating that “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.”

With a rigorous internal investigation underway, the public has yet to be informed on how this cyber security attack happened. At the moment, AT&T has said that they “[do] not have evidence of unauthorized access to [their] systems resulting in exfiltration of the data set,”.

Please note that AT&T has claimed that they are in contact with those affected, and is offering credit monitoring to those in need.

Below we have outlined some important steps to take in order to better protect your valuable information and identity:

Change Passwords: Start by changing passwords for any online accounts that may have been affected. This includes your email, banking, social media, and any other accounts where you use the same password.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone.

Monitor Financial Statements: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your financial institution immediately.

Credit Monitoring: Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service to keep track of any changes to your credit report. This can help alert you to any unauthorized activity, such as new accounts being opened in your name.

Freeze Your Credit: If you're particularly concerned about identity theft, you may want to consider placing a freeze on your credit reports. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.

Report the Breach: If the breach involved a specific company or organization, report it to them and follow any instructions they provide for affected individuals.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the breach and any updates from the company involved. They may provide further guidance on steps you can take to protect yourself.

Be Vigilant Against Phishing: Be cautious of any unsolicited emails or messages that claim to be from the company or organization involved in the breach. Scammers may try to take advantage of the situation to trick you into revealing more personal information.

Consider Identity Theft Protection Services: Depending on the severity of the breach and your level of concern, you may want to consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service. These services can help monitor for any signs of identity theft and provide assistance in the event that your identity is compromised.

Stay Calm and Proactive: Dealing with a security breach can be stressful, but staying calm and taking proactive steps to protect your identity can help minimize any potential damage.

In times where it seems as though our entire lives are stored on our phones; one must be sure to take active steps to protect one’s valuable data and identities. Although headlines such as these can be scary, it is important to note that you are not helpless in the matter. Following these tips will allow a plethora of added security that many do not have. Always remember to stay safe, and do not hesitate to reach out to our team if you have any additional questions.