Better Business Bureau offers advice regarding new AT&T data breach that could be trouble for all wireless users.
CHICAGO – July 12, 2024 / The news weeks ago of a major AT&T data breach and the update on Friday, July 12, 2024, that nearly all AT&T cell customers’ call and text records were exposed in a massive breach is another reminder to be on guard for cyber criminals and scammers.
In a much-reported statement presented on national news outlets, AT&T said the compromised data includes the telephone numbers of “nearly all” of its cellular customers and the customers of wireless providers that used its network between May 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022. The stolen logs also contain a record of every number AT&T customers called or texted – including customers of other wireless networks – the number of times they interacted and the call duration.
In an unrelated incident earlier this month, experts announced that a file of 10 billion passwords had been loaded up to the dark web.
Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau stated in a news release, “Data breaches are scary; they expose customers’ personal information and leave them more vulnerable to fraud. With many recent data breach announcements from all types of industries, it’s become clear how common data breaches are, and how important it is to protect yourself and reduce identity theft risks.”
Naperville resident Bernas continued with advice “that protecting yourself is important whether you’re a customer of the affected companies or not.”
What is a data breach?
Companies store a large amount of their customers’ personal information in digital spaces. Thieves want access to that information, and they may target companies with malware or exploit weaknesses in digital security measures. Once they steal the information, these bad actors sell it on the dark web or use it in their own fraud schemes.
What is the risk to consumers?
No two data breaches are the same, and each incident can expose unique information. Consumers affected by a breach may be at increased risk for identity theft. Thieves may use stolen information to fraudulently apply for credit, unemployment benefits and more. In some cases, consumers’ financial accounts may be accessible to thieves.
Companies collect more customer data than ever before. They save payment methods, passwords, addresses and other information. This allows people to save time, ensure bills are paid on time, and budget effectively. However, it also increases the risk of identity theft. Consumers must take extra care to protect their personally identifiable information.
BBB recommendations
Take steps to protect data against or after a breach
• Check your credit report and financial statements often. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and notify account providers as quickly as possible. Check your credit report multiple times a year at no cost at annualcreditreport.com
• You can also freeze your credit report and then unfreeze it if you are applying for credit.
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly. Protect your accounts with complex and unique passwords. Using the same password for multiple accounts greatly increases your risk of loss.
• Implement two-factor authentication on accounts and devices. This adds another layer of security to your logins. Two-factor authentication sends a code to your phone or email to check the account owner is the one logging in.
• Shop with businesses that protect customer information. Check for basic security measures. There should be an HTTPS in the address bar and a clear and detailed privacy policy. Then, look for and check the validity of trust seals like the BBB Accredited Business seal.
Protecting yourself online is critical, but hard copies of private documents can also be stolen. So, it’s important to dispose of your private papers safely.
Even the most careful consumers can fall victim to a data breach. Learn eight things to do after a breach and how to tell if your information was stolen.
Original report submitted by the Better Business Bureau.
Many other reports are featured online, too…
Numerous reports state the data theft during the six-month period affected AT&T cellular as well as landline customers. Hackers apparently gained access to the data through AT&T’s third-party cloud service.
According to an ABC report, the Justice Department allowed AT&T two national security exemptions. Law enforcement is involved.