We are constantly speaking about the need for cybersecurity, as protecting your network and your customer’s data should be top of mind for any organization. Although the story below refers to T-Mobile, a very large corporation, the reality is that small to medium-sized business is just as vulnerable to security issues and attack. In fact, cybercriminals consider small businesses a rich target, because they tend to be less vigilant in their security measures.
First, the story. According to CNN Business, on Monday, August 16, T-Mobile acknowledged that the company has been the victim of a data breach. A company spokesperson declined to say whether any personal data from customers was accessed or how far-reaching the damage may be. The company’s confirmation of a breach comes after hackers told Vice that they were selling “full customer info” obtained from T-Mobile servers. The hackers claimed that 100 million people were compromised and affected by the hack.
The company reported Sunday that it was “aware of claims made in an underground forum” and “actively investigating their validity.” A day later, the company said it had sealed up a vulnerability used by hackers to obtain entry to T-Mobile’s IT network and systems and is working with the “highest degree of urgency” to investigate the breach.
“We have been working around the clock to investigate claims being made that T-Mobile data may have been illegally accessed,” the company said in a statement, adding that it is working with law enforcement on the matter. “We have determined that unauthorized access to some T-Mobile data occurred, however, we have not yet determined that there is any personal customer data involved.”
Some experts have expressed concerns that this type of breach could put customers at risk for account takeovers or personalized scams.
Data Security Breaches on the Rise
Data hacks and breaches have been increasing in number in recent years. Researchers have tracked 117 credential data breaches in 2020 alone––an all-time high in this country. The cybercriminal environment is evolving in a more complex, specialized, and collaborative effort, with bad actors connecting through underground networks to create security issues.
Industry insiders point out that these data breaches represent a warning sign that businesses need more robust mechanisms for securely and privately verifying consumers’ identities – without collecting so much personal data. Experts advise that all consumers remain wary of emails, calls, and messages from people they don’t know, and regularly check their credit card statement for any unknown or suspicious transactions.
Alliance IT is a Sarasota-based managed services company providing IT services, outsourcing, and consulting services to help you confront and battle security issues.
