AT&T Data Breach: Hackers Compromise Cellular Customer Records of Calls and Texts

Money | July 12, 2024, 10:14 a.m.

Hackers have stolen six months' worth of call and text message records of nearly every AT&T customer, potentially revealing sensitive information about millions of Americans. The breach, discovered in April, involved unauthorized access to call logs saved on a third-party cloud platform. Although the content was not compromised, the data included phone numbers, considered highly sensitive metadata. The Federal Communications Commission launched an investigation, while experts highlight the national security threat of such a 'megabreach.' AT&T reassured customers of additional cybersecurity measures and assistance to law enforcement in apprehending hackers. Concerns arise from a previous breach that exposed customer names and Social Security numbers. Senator Ron Wyden blames inadequate security practices in the telecom industry and calls for stricter regulations. The impact on customers remains unclear as the story develops.