The recent data breach at AT&T has impacted over 100 million U.S. customers, making it one of the largest breaches of the year. Unlike previous breaches caused by server failures, this breach was a result of a malicious actor infiltrating AT&T’s workspace from a remote location.
This is the second major breach that AT&T has faced this year, with the first incident affecting approximately 73 million current and former customers. In both cases, sensitive information such as social security numbers and names were exposed, putting users at risk of identity theft and other dangers.
In light of these breaches, AT&T customers must take steps to protect themselves and their private information. Mitch Thornton, an expert in cybersecurity, suggests several precautions that users can take immediately.
Monitoring credit for suspicious activity is crucial, as criminals may make small purchases to test if users are paying attention to their accounts. Being vigilant about transactions and checking for any anomalies can help detect fraudulent behavior early on.
Resetting passwords regularly and enabling two-factor authentication are essential practices to enhance security. While these measures may seem inconvenient, they can prevent unauthorized access and safeguard personal data.
Implementing credit freezes and locks can provide an additional layer of protection against potential fraud. While credit locks are quicker to apply for a fee, credit freezes are free but may take longer to go into effect. Users can choose the option that best suits their needs.
Investing in security software for home systems can help prevent future breaches and safeguard personal information. While it may not have prevented the AT&T breach, having security measures in place can deter cyber threats and protect sensitive data.
AT&T account holders should remain wary of suspicious emails or calls requesting personal information. Scammers may attempt to exploit the situation by posing as legitimate entities, so users should verify the authenticity of any communication before sharing sensitive data.
With private information circulating on the dark web, affected individuals must take proactive steps to minimize the risk of identity theft. By staying informed and implementing security measures, users can protect themselves from potential threats and mitigate the impact of the data breach.