Data From 73 Million AT&T Accounts Stolen: How to Safeguard Your Data
AT&T reveals a data breach affecting 73 million customers, with personal information leaked to the dark web. Learn how to protect yourself from potential fraud and identity theft.
AT&T Data Breach: What You Need to Know
AT&T recently disclosed a major data breach, affecting a staggering 73 million customers, both current and former. The stolen information, including sensitive data like Social Security numbers, dates back to 2019 or earlier. This alarming revelation surfaced in March 2024, when hackers made the stolen personal details available on the dark web, according to Troy Hunt, the creator of Have I Been Pwned.
In response to this breach, AT&T has taken swift action by reaching out to the 7.6 million current customers impacted and resetting their passcodes. However, if you're among the 65.4 million former customers concerned about your data being compromised, it's crucial to take proactive steps to mitigate any potential fallout from this breach.
What Personal Information Was Compromised?
The stolen data may vary by account, but customers' full names, email addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, AT&T account numbers, and passcodes were exposed. Notably, the breached information does not seem to include personal financial data or call history.
For those unfamiliar, an AT&T passcode serves as a numeric PIN crucial for activities like installations, personal account management via phone, or seeking technical support. While AT&T has reset passcodes for affected active accounts, it's advisable for all customers to update their passcodes regularly for added security.
Steps to Protect Your Data Post-Breach
- Check if You're Affected: AT&T will notify impacted current customers via email or mail, detailing the breach's scope and actions taken. However, you can proactively verify your exposure using Have I Been Pwned or Google's Password Checkup tool.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports: Stay vigilant by reviewing your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for any suspicious activity or unfamiliar accounts. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service for ongoing protection.
- Respond to Fraud: If you suspect identity theft or fraudulent activity, place fraud alerts with credit bureaus, contact relevant businesses' fraud departments, freeze your credit, and create a comprehensive recovery plan following FTC guidelines.
By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, you can safeguard your data and minimize the risk of falling victim to potential fraud or identity theft in the aftermath of the AT&T data breach. Remember, proactive measures today can save you from a world of trouble down the line!
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