More than 51 million people have had their personal information compromised in the recent AT&T data breach. The leaked customer information dates back to mid-2019 and earlier. The exposed data has been found on the dark web, a place where cybercriminals buy and sell leaked personal information.
Discovering whether your personal information has been compromised in the AT&T data breach is crucial to help prepare for the potential risks of your information being exposed on the dark web. Here are some steps you can take to help determine if you’re part of the AT&T data breach:
Contact AT&T
If you suspect you may be affected but haven’t received any notifications, reach out to AT&T customer service for clarification and guidance on next steps.
What Should I Do if My Social Security Number Has Been Exposed?
The exposure of sensitive information such as Social Security numbers (SSNs) can have serious consequences. If you discover that SSN has been compromised in the AT&T data breach, here’s what you can do to help protect your information:
Place a Fraud Alert
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax®, Experian®, or TransUnion® — and request a fraud alert be placed on your credit report. This alert notifies creditors to take extra steps in verifying your identity before extending credit in your name.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
If you suspect you’re at risk of identity theft, you can choose to freeze your credit. This prevents creditors from accessing your credit report, making it difficult for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name.
Contact the Social Security Administration
You can contact the Social Security Administration office and report possible fraud using your SSN. Fraud can be reported online to the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General or to a local Social Security Administration office.
Stay Informed
Keep yourself updated on developments related to the data breach, including any updates provided by AT&T.
Reset Usernames and Passwords
Help ensure that your online accounts are protected by strong, unique passwords. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA when possible. This usually involves receiving a code that you must enter along with your password when logging in.
Utilize Identity Monitoring Services
Identity and credit monitoring is essential to help protect your data and your finances. IdentityIQ identity monitoring scours the dark web for your information and alerts you in real time when there is possible suspicious activity. You also are protected with $1 million in identity theft insurance, underwritten in AIG.
Bottom Line
The recent AT&T data breach serves as a stark reminder of the need to safeguard your personal information in an increasingly digital world. By staying informed, taking proactive measures to help protect your identity, signing up for a top-rated identity theft protection service, and knowing how to respond in the event of a breach, you can help better mitigate the risks of identity theft and fraud.