Current:Home > MarketsHere's how to find out if your data was stolen in AT&T's massive hack -ProfitClass
Here's how to find out if your data was stolen in AT&T's massive hack
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:11:38
If you're one of AT&T's cellular customers, you can check your account to see if your data was compromised as part of the massive breach the telecom giant announced on Friday.
If you were an AT&T customer between May 1, 2022 to Oct. 31, 2022, it's likely your data was involved, given that the company said "nearly all" its cellular customers' records were gathered by hackers during that time. The breach also includes records from Jan. 2, 2023 for a "very small number of customers," AT&T said.
But customers can check if their data was compromised by logging into their accounts, according to AT&T.
"When customers log in, they can see if their data was affected. They can also request a report that provides a more user-friendly version of technical information that was compromised," an AT&T spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch.
The company also said it will alert customers who were impacted via text, email or U.S. mail.
The company isn't providing identity theft protection to customers at this time, the company spokesperson told CBS MoneyWatch. AT&T said customers can visit att.com/DataIncident for more information.
The compromised data involves records of calls and texts for AT&T customers, but doesn't include the content of the calls or texts, or personal information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates or other personally identifiable information.
Why did AT&T wait to alert customers?
Under U.S. securities regulations, companies must disclose data breaches within 30 days of learning about the security problem. AT&T said that it learned about the hack in April, but delayed informing customers because it was working with agencies such as the Department of Justice and the FBI, which determined that disclosing the breach could cause security risks.
"The breach is considered a national security concern because these call logs reveal social and/or professional networks of people," said Patrick Schaumont, professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in an email.
He added, "If person A has a role relevant to national security, then person A's social network is a liability. So, person A's call log must be kept secret. That's why the Department of Justice prevented AT&T from disclosing the breach until now."
AT&T hasn't revealed the identity of the hacker or hackers responsible, but noted that one person has been apprehended in connection with the breach.
- In:
- Data Breach
- AT&T
Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports.
TwitterveryGood! (83535)
Related
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Ludacris’ gulp of untreated Alaska glacier melt was totally fine, scientist says
- Russia bans 92 more Americans from the country, including journalists
- Missouri death row inmate gets another chance at a hearing that could spare his life
- Kourtney Kardashian Cradles 9-Month-Old Son Rocky in New Photo
- Kelsea Ballerini Shares Her Dog Dibs Has Inoperable Heart Cancer
- Los Angeles authorities searching for children taken by parents during supervised visit
- All eyes are on Nvidia as it prepares to report its earnings. Here’s what to expect
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- Reports: Veteran pitcher Rich Hill to rejoin Red Sox at age 44
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Nebraska’s Supreme Court to decide if those with felony convictions can vote in November
- Channing Tatum Accuses Ex Jenna Dewan of Delay Tactic in Divorce Proceedings
- Bikinis, surfboards and battle-axes? Hawaii loosens long-strict weapons laws after court ruling
- Vance jokes he’s checking out his future VP plane while overlapping with Harris at Wisconsin airport
- LeBron James, Anthony Edwards among NBA stars in ‘Starting 5’ Netflix series
- Woman files suit against White Sox after suffering gunshot wound at 2023 game
- In Final Rock Springs Resource Management Plan, BLM Sticks With Conservation Priorities, Renewable Energy Development
Recommendation
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
Russia bans 92 more Americans from the country, including journalists
'Robin Hood in reverse': Former 'Real Housewives' star convicted of embezzling $15 million
Actress Sara Chase Details “Secret Double Life” of Battling Cancer While on Broadway
Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
What is a returnship and how can it help me reenter the workforce? Ask HR
The Latest: Trump faces new indictment as Harris seeks to defy history for VPs
Sports Reporter Malika Andrews Marries Dave McMenamin at the Foot of Golden Gate Bridge