Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- AT&T experienced a security breach affecting nearly all customer data in 2022
- Importance of computer literacy highlighted in protecting against scams and cyber attacks
AT&T recently disclosed a security breach that occurred in 2022, where the data of approximately 109 million customer accounts was downloaded to a third-party platform. The company spokesperson clarified that the data is not believed to be publicly available at this time. This incident was separate from a previous one in March, where personal information was released on the dark web.
During an interview with AT&T’s regional director of external affairs, the significance of computer literacy in safeguarding oneself from scams was emphasized. Basic skills like recognizing phishing emails and avoiding suspicious links were mentioned as critical in maintaining online safety. The National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends using strong passwords, updating software regularly, spotting and reporting phishing scams, and enabling multi-factor authentication to enhance online protection.
In case of potential data compromise, Experian suggests changing passwords for all connected accounts, placing a credit freeze, and monitoring for any unusual activity. The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness in navigating the online landscape securely.
