TECHNOLOGY
AT&T personal data breach: What to do if you are a customer
AT&T recently confirmed a data leak impacting a significant number of customers. Here’s what you need to know if you’re a customer.
AT&T has announced a data breach affecting millions of current and former customers. The leaked data reportedly appeared on the dark web and included information like Social Security numbers for 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders. The compromised data appears to be from 2019 or earlier.
AT&T assures customers that financial information and call history were not compromised. The company will contact affected customers via “email or letter”
What was compromised?
- Full name,
- Email address,
- Mailing address,
- Phone number,
- Social security number,
- Date of birth,
- AT&T account number,
- Passcode.
What to do as an AT&T customer
While a confirmed list of affected customers isn’t available yet, here are some proactive steps you can take:
Change your AT&T password
AT&T has reset passcodes for current users, but it’s crucial to choose a strong, unique password you don’t use elsewhere.
Be wary of phishing attempts
Scammers often exploit data breaches. Remain cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or texts claiming to be from AT&T regarding the leak. Never click on suspicious links or attachments, and never share personal information through these channels.
Monitor your accounts
Regularly check your bank statements and credit card reports for any unauthorised activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze to further safeguard your accounts.
Check for compromised credentials
Utilise services like Have I Been Pwned to see if your email address has been linked to this or other data breaches.