AT&T recently announced a major data breach that has impacted nearly all of its wireless customers. This breach compromised data such as phone numbers, call/text counts, and total call durations from specific dates in 2022 and 2023. The company attributed the breach to a third-party cloud platform, Snowflake, which pointed fingers at customers for not using multi-factor authentication.
Fortunately, the hackers did not access the content of calls and texts, nor did they obtain personally identifiable information like names, Social Security numbers, or dates of birth. However, it’s important to note that it’s relatively easy to link a name to a phone number with a simple online search.
AT&T has taken steps to secure the affected access point and believes that the data is not currently available to the public. The company is collaborating with law enforcement to identify the individuals responsible for the breach, and at least one suspect has been apprehended.
If your account was among those affected, AT&T will notify you via text, email, or mail. Additionally, there is a tool available for you to check your account status and see a list of compromised texts and calls. While this breach did not involve direct personal information or passwords, it’s still a good idea to freeze your credit as a precautionary measure.
For customers considering switching to an encrypted texting app for added security, there are several recommendations available. It’s essential to prioritize data protection and take proactive steps to safeguard personal information in an increasingly digital world.