Important Update for AT&T Customers: Data Breach Alert ??

We have an urgent update for our community, especially those affiliated with or are customers of AT&T. The company has recently acknowledged a concerning data breach involving information that dates back to 2019 or earlier. This breach was discovered with datasets appearing on the dark web, containing sensitive information including:

• Social Security numbers
• Passcodes (not to be confused with passwords, these are usually four-digit PINs)
• Full names, email addresses, mailing addresses
• Phone numbers, dates of birth
• AT&T account numbers

Fortunately, financial details and call history do not seem to be affected.

Affected by the Breach?

AT&T has initiated contact with affected consumers through email or direct mail. If your data was compromised, you should have already received or will soon receive a notification from AT&T.

AT&T's Response

To mitigate the breach's impact, AT&T has proactively reset the passcodes for current users and has committed to covering the cost of credit-monitoring services where necessary.

Investigation Ongoing

The investigation into the breach is extensive, involving both internal IT staff and external cybersecurity experts. The focus is on identifying the breach's source and ensuring no malware remains within AT&T’s systems. The process, as noted by Kevin Powers from Boston College, is intricate due to the potential origins of the breach, including external contractors or supply chain vulnerabilities.

Safeguarding Your Information

In light of this breach, we urge everyone to take preventive measures to protect their personal information:

• Freeze your credit reports at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
• Enroll in 24/7 credit monitoring services.
• Activate two-factor authentication on your AT&T and other accounts.
• Be vigilant and change your passwords if you receive a breach notice, while also monitoring your accounts for any unusual activities.

The Federal Trade Commission provides resources for setting up free credit freezes and fraud alerts as additional protection layers against identity theft and malicious activities.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need for constant vigilance in protecting our personal information. Let's stay informed and proactive in safeguarding our digital lives.

#Cybersecurity #DataBreach #ATT #PersonalInformationProtection #DigitalSafety #CreditMonitoring