AT&T Metadata Breach: Essential Information for Customers

Money | July 13, 2024, 5:13 a.m.

The most recent data breach at AT&T has compromised the phone call and text message records of customers from May 1, 2022 to Oct. 31, 2022, and Jan. 2, 2023, revealing details of interactions between individuals. The stolen metadata can be used by law enforcement in investigations to establish communication patterns and connections between people. While hackers could potentially exploit this information, the data is not typically sought for such purposes. AT&T is notifying affected customers and working with law enforcement to apprehend those responsible. Consumers are advised to monitor credit reports, freeze credit, and change passwords to protect themselves. The breach raises concerns about the privacy and security of personal information in an increasingly interconnected world. The dark web, where stolen material is often offered for sale, adds another layer of complexity to the issue.