2 days ago
Experts Issue Urgent Warning After Massive AT&T Data Leak Resurfaces
AT&T customers are being warned to act fast after a trove of stolen data, containing up to 86 million customer records, resurfaced on cybercrime forums this week. According to McAfee security experts, the leak includes personal details that could easily lead to identity theft.
The database was originally stolen in a 2024 breach but had not been widely published until now. Researchers say Russian hackers appear to be selling the data on underground forums, and cybercriminals now have access to email addresses, phone numbers, and, most alarmingly, nearly 44 million Social Security numbers.
'If you're an AT&T customer, now's the time to take action,' warned Jasdev Dhaliwal of McAfee. 'This data is already circulating, and it contains everything criminals need to impersonate you—your SSN, name, phone number, and more.'
Newsweek reported that cybersecurity expert Steve Weisman echoed that concern, adding that once your Social Security number is out, the best defense is to get an IRS-issued PIN to prevent fraudulent tax filings.
AT&T responded by saying this is not a new breach. "After analysis by our internal teams as well as external data consultants, we are confident this is repackaged data previously released on the dark web in March 2024," the company said in a statement. AT&T added that all affected customers had already been notified last year and that law enforcement is involved in the latest development.
But with the data making headlines again, and being actively sold, experts urge customers not to assume they're safe. They recommend checking your credit reports, freezing your credit if needed, and updating your AT&T account password. The exposed data could be used in phishing scams, loan fraud, or even to file false tax returns.
Bottom line: even if this isn't a brand-new breach, the damage is far from over. And if your identity is part of the leak, ignoring it now could cost you Issue Urgent Warning After Massive AT&T Data Leak Resurfaces first appeared on Men's Journal on Jun 12, 2025
