AT&T Discovers Social Security Numbers of More than 70 Million Users on the Dark Web, Initiates Password Reset
In a recent development, telecommunications giant AT&T revealed that it has reset the passcodes of 7.6 million customers due to compromised customer data surfacing on the dark web. This security breach has prompted AT&T to take immediate action to safeguard its users’ sensitive information.
The Breach and Response
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AT&T announced on Saturday that it had detected compromised customer data being circulated on the dark web, leading to the reset of passcodes for millions of its customers. The company is collaborating with external cybersecurity experts to thoroughly investigate the matter. The compromised data, dating back to 2019 or earlier, does not include personal financial information or call history, according to AT&T.
Scope of Impact and Customer Support
Aside from the 7.6 million current customers affected, the breach also impacts 65.4 million former account holders. To address this issue, AT&T is reaching out to individuals with compromised sensitive personal information separately and providing complimentary identity theft and credit monitoring services. The company has reset passcodes for affected users and provided instructions on how to reset them securely.
AT&T has initiated a robust investigation supported by internal and external cybersecurity experts. However, specific details about the breach’s origin or why it remained undetected for an extended period were not disclosed by company representatives.
TechCrunch's Role and Previous Denials
TechCrunch played a crucial role in bringing attention to the breach by informing AT&T about encrypted passcodes leaked data that could be used to access customer accounts. This disclosure by TechCrunch marks the first time AT&T has acknowledged the leaked data belonging to its customers, despite previous denials and uncertainties about the breach’s source.
Ongoing Challenges and Customer Experience
This incident adds to recent challenges faced by AT&T, including a widespread outage last month that affected users across the United States. The outage, which impacted cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York, led to around 70,000 reports of disrupted service at its peak. In response, AT&T offered affected customers a $5 credit as a gesture to mitigate inconvenience.
As AT&T continues to address cybersecurity concerns and enhance its protective measures, the company remains committed to safeguarding its customers’ privacy and providing a secure telecommunications experience.
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