T-Mobile was notified by Experian, a vendor that processes their credit applications, that they experienced a massive data breach.
According to officials, the hacker(s) acquired the records of approximately 15 million people, including new applicants requiring a credit check for service or device financing from September 1, 2013, through September 16, 2015.
These records include information such as names, addresses, and birthrates as well as encrypted fields with Social Security numbers and ID number (such as driver’s license or passport number), and additional information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessment.
Experian has determined that this encryption was most likely compromised.
T-Mobile said they are working with Experian to take protective steps for all of the consumers whose information was compromised as quickly as possible.
“Obviously I am incredibly angry about this data breach and we will institute a thorough review of our relationship with Experian, but right now my top concern and first focus is assisting any and all consumers affected,” T-Moblie CEO John Legere said. He went on to say, “I take our customer and prospective customer privacy VERY seriously. This is no small issue for us. I do want to assure our customers that neither T-Mobile’s systems nor network were part of this intrusion and this did not involve any payment card numbers or bank account information.”
Experian has assured T-Mobile that they have taken aggressive steps to improve the protection of their system and T-Mobile customer data.
Anyone concerned that they may have been impacted by Experian’s data breach can sign up for two years of free credit monitoring and identity resolution services at www.protectmyID.com/securityincident.
Experian said, “We continue to investigate the theft, closely monitor our systems, and work with domestic and international law enforcement. Investigation of the incident is ongoing.”
T-Mobile’s team will also be available and ready to help customers in any way they can.
Legere said, “At T-Mobile, privacy and security is of utmost importance, so I will stay very close to this issue and I will do everything possible to continue to earn your trust every day.”
Federal and international law enforcement agencies were notified. The investigation is ongoing.
T-Mobile customers are advised to monitor their credit closely, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
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