How to know if you were affected by the AT&T data breach and what to do next (2024)

FAQs

How to know if you were affected by the AT&T data breach and what to do next? ›

If you are wondering if you were impacted, AT&T said it will provide notice to current and former customers, so you should keep an eye out for that. If you're a customer with questions, you can call AT&T wireless customer service at 1-800-331-0500.

Check for suspicious logins into your accounts and activate notifications for them if the service you use provides them. Be on the lookout for misleading password retrieval emails and messages and only change your credentials by logging into the account from the official website.

The compromised data includes files containing AT&T records of calls and texts of nearly all of AT&T's cellular customers, customers of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) using AT&T's wireless network, as well as AT&T's landline customers who interacted with those cellular numbers between May 1, 2022 - October 31 ...

What was stolen and from who? The data breach involved data AT&T was storing on a third party cloud storage company that was left poorly secured. It includes records of calls and texts – including information about who users called and texted, when, and for how long.

The first step you should take after a data breach is to determine which servers have been compromised and contain them as quickly as possible to ensure that other servers or devices won't also be infected. Here are a few immediate things you can do to attempt to contain a data breach.

AT&T said it will contact affected customers by text, email or U.S. mail. Customers can also check their accounts online to see if they were affected.

A hacked phone will show signs of malicious activity. Your contacts may get messages that you didn't send, unexpected apps may pop up on your device, you could spot new logins to your accounts, or even experience a significant decrease in your phone's speed.

If you find that someone is using your information to commit fraud, identitytheft.gov can help you report that, too. Find out how to recover from a data breach at identitytheft.gov/databreach.

Breach impacts

Data breaches hurt both individuals and organizations by compromising sensitive information. For the individual who is a victim of stolen data, this can often lead to headaches: changing passwords frequently, enacting credit freezes or identity monitoring, and so on.

The Associated Press reports that the telecom company has experienced several breaches over the years, including one in 2014 where a rogue employee accessed personal data on about 1,600 customers.

Can AT&T look at your messages? ›

FYI: The content of text or video messages isn't visible or accessible to anyone on the account.

Before you replace a device

Keep in mind: If you have an installment balance on your lost or stolen device, you still have to pay the remaining balance.

We automatically collect a variety of information which may include time spent on websites or apps, website and IP addresses and advertising IDs. It also can include links and ads seen, videos watched, search terms entered and items placed in online AT&T shopping carts.

A law enforcement report can also provide documentation to help you resolve the fraud. Call the impacted organizations and report the fraud. Call the affected companies and ask for the fraud department. Explain you are the victim of identity theft.

Notice must be provided within seven business days after reasonable determination of a breach. Second, for breaches affecting fewer than 500 customers, the timing of notification depends on the risk of harm.

Breach detection is the process of identifying and responding to unauthorized access of an organization's data. It involves monitoring for signs of data breaches, such as unusual network activity, unauthorized data access attempts, and unexpected database changes.

How To Check If My Phone Number Is Leaked. Go to ID Protection Data Leak Checker and find out if your phone number appeared in any data leaks.

Data breaches can affect the brand's reputation and cause the company to lose customers. Breaches can damage and corrupt databases. Data breaches also can have legal and compliance consequences. Data breaches also can significantly impact individuals, causing loss of privacy and, in some cases, identity theft.