Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- 73 million AT&T customers were impacted by a data leak, with sensitive information such as names, emails, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and more being posted online.
- AT&T has reset all passcodes and is offering identity theft protection and credit monitoring services to affected individuals.
In March 2024, AT&T acknowledged a data leak affecting 73 million customers, with the stolen information being posted on BreachForums by a hacker using the alias ShinyHunters. The data includes personal information like names, emails, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers. While AT&T has reset all passcodes and offered identity theft protection, the source of the leak and how it was accessed remain unclear. Web security consultant Troy Hunt highlighted that the data is easily accessible on the clear web, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal data before a breach occurs.
Despite AT&T denying the legitimacy of a previous leak in 2021, evidence suggests that the recent data leak is a repost from that same leak. ShinyHunters claimed that the data is authentic, even if AT&T does not confirm its origins. It is crucial for individuals to safeguard their data by using multi-factor authentication, avoiding password reuse, and investing in identity protection services. With the inevitability of cyber attacks, proactive steps must be taken to protect sensitive information online.
By Olivia Powell
