Hackers have successfully stolen call and text records data from a whopping 109 million AT&T Wireless customers. The telecommunications giant revealed this alarming breach on Friday, sparking concerns over data security and privacy.
The stolen data, which spanned from May to October 2022, was illegally downloaded and copied to a third-party platform this April. While the content of calls and texts was not compromised, the numbers contacted and the duration of interactions were recorded.
The Justice Department supported AT&T’s delayed announcement, citing national security reasons for the justification. AT&T expressed regret over the incident and assured customers of their commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.
Further investigation revealed that the breach was first detected five days after hackers initiated the data theft on April 14th. The unauthorized access continued until April 25th. Experts have raised concerns that the compromised data could potentially expose individuals’ workplaces, approximate home locations, and even their social circles.
This breach comes on the heels of a previous incident where AT&T disclosed the theft of data from 73 million former and current customers in 2019. The stolen data was subsequently circulated on the dark web by cybercriminals.
AT&T has taken steps to notify affected customers and advised them to monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity. Users can access their accounts to check if their data was compromised and request a detailed report outlining the extent of the breach.
In light of these security breaches, AT&T cautioned users to remain vigilant against phishing attempts that seek personal information. The company reassured the public that they have fortified their systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, maintaining robust data protection measures is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information against unauthorized access and exploitation. Stay informed and stay vigilant to protect yourself in an increasingly digital world.
