Mikey Campbell
Hackers targeting credit check firm Experian stole the personal data of approximately 15 million T-Mobile customers who applied for postpaid services or device financing, Experian announced on Thursday.
According to Experian, T-Mobile customer data logged between Sept. 1, 2013 through Sept. 16, 2015 was taken in the security breach. The attackers came away with names, dates of birth, addresses and forms of identification like Social Security numbers and drivers' license numbers, as well as other information required by T-Mobile's internal credit assessment system.
Experian said the breach did not expose payment or banking information, nor did it affect the firm's consumer credit database.
"We take privacy very seriously and we understand that this news is both stressful and frustrating. We sincerely apologize for the concern and stress that this event may cause," said Craig Boundy, CEO of Experian North America. "That is why we're taking steps to provide protection and support to those affected by this incident and will continue to coordinate with law enforcement during its investigation."
Affected users should receive notifications directly from Experian, which is offering those impacted two years of credit monitoring through ProtectMyID. Users can visit an FAQ webpage for more information.
T-Mobile CEO John Legere commented on the matter via Twitter and the carrier's official blog, but didn't offer much insight into the attack beyond what was already provided by Experian.
"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," Legere said.
Today's data breach comes at a crucial time for America's third-largest cellular provider. Legere and company are trying to woo customers from market leaders Verizon and AT&T with aggressively priced payment plans, data incentives and contract-free services. With the recent launch of iPhone 6s, for example, T-Mobile sparked a minor price war after announcing a promotion that nets upgraders a new iPhone from $5 per month with trade-in, assumedly after a credit check.
Malcolm Owen
Christine McKee
Andrew Orr
William Gallagher
37 Comments
Isn't Experian one of the companies that reports on, and manages our credit scores? What a pathetic joke.... "Network security" in the US has become an oxymoron. The Chinese, Ukrainians, Iranians, etc., are just eating our lunch. (Did I just sound like Donald Trump there, for a second? /shudder).
This is a really terrible hack. Apple is far more trustworthy and should be the company that takes Experians place in the market.
Apple is far more trustworthy and should be the company that takes Experians place in the market.
You've managed to take Apple fanboyism to the next level. I would never have thought anybody would think that Apple becoming a credit rating agency would be a good idea. Congratulations!
You've managed to take Apple fanboyism to the next level. I would never have thought anybody would think that Apple becoming a credit rating agency would be a good idea. Congratulations!
Are you kidding? Apple Credit would be fantastic.
Experian is keeping it's cards close to the chest, but I will bet (and give 10-1 odds) that it is yet another MS exploit (like Home depot and target)
When will the IT lemmings begin to realize just how insecure MS (server/enterprise software) is?
The (adapted) old IT adage "no one ever lost their job over choosing MS" becomes wildly less true every quarter.