Millions of AT&T customers have been notified of a data breach that occurred with a third-party vendor. This breach has left many customers wondering what happened to their personal information and how they can protect their data going forward.
Details of the Breach
On June 24, 2020, AT&T released a statement that a third-party vendor had suffered a data breach. They stated that the breach had happened in the second quarter of 2020, and millions of AT&T customers were affected. The company emphasized that their systems had not been impacted, but that the personal information of some customers was affected.
The data that was breached included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and in some cases, driver’s license numbers. There also may have been some financial details included, such as bank account numbers and credit or debit card numbers. The breach did not appear to affect customers using the AT&T consumer login or customer-support online services.
Company Response
AT&T responded quickly to the breach, alerting those affected within days of the incident. They’ve provided customer-service representatives to assist customers with any questions they may have. AT&T has also recommended that customers take precautions to protect their data, such as changing passwords and monitoring credit reports.
The company has said they are also working with authorities and offering free credit monitoring services to those impacted by the breach. AT&T has also said that they are doing an internal investigation to determine the cause of the breach and how it could have been prevented.
Protecting Your Data
Though the breach involved a third-party vendor, there are still ways you can protect your data moving forward. First and foremost, be sure to utilize proper cybersecurity hygiene. This includes using complex passwords and two-factor authentication. Secondly, be sure to monitor your credit report and other financial accounts as often as possible. Finally, take advantage of any resources offered by the companies impacted by the data breach.
Conclusion
The data breach at AT&T’s third-party vendor has left many customers concerned about their personal information. AT&T has responded quickly, providing customer-service support and resources for affected customers. It’s important for all customers to take the proper precautions to protect their data, including using proper cybersecurity hygiene, monitoring their credit report, and utilizing any resources offered. If you’ve been affected by this data breach, be sure to contact an AT&T customer service representative in order to ensure your data is safe.
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