Key Takeaways

• Eligible AT&T customers can claim up to $7,500 for documented losses related to the 2021 data breach.
• The breach affected 77 million individuals, exposing sensitive personal information.
• Impacted users may file claims online through a simple, dedicated settlement portal.
• The agreement provides free credit monitoring and identity theft protection for eligible users.
• The claim deadline is October 2024; submissions must be made before this date for consideration.

Introduction

AT&T has agreed to a substantial settlement following its large-scale 2021 data breach, which exposed sensitive data from over 77 million accounts. Affected customers may claim up to $7,500 for documented losses and can apply online until October 2024. The settlement also offers complimentary credit monitoring services.

Settlement Overview

AT&T has settled claims stemming from a significant data breach that compromised the personal information of about 77 million current and former customers. Individuals who experienced documented losses due to the breach can receive compensation of up to $7,500.

The breach, occurring between 2019 and 2023, allowed unauthorized access to Social Security numbers, names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth. AT&T discovered that customer records had been accessed and later circulated on dark web forums.

As part of the settlement, a fund has been established to compensate those affected and to implement additional security measures. These measures include two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility extends to current and former AT&T customers whose information was exposed during the breach period. Individuals notified by AT&T regarding their inclusion in the breach may submit claims.

To qualify for compensation, customers must show they were AT&T subscribers during the relevant timeframe. Those who experienced identity theft or financial fraud directly connected to the breach may claim up to $7,500 if they can provide documentation.

All affected customers, regardless of direct financial loss, are entitled to basic benefits. These include credit monitoring and the ability to claim compensation for the time spent addressing breach-related concerns.

How to File a Claim

Customers eligible for compensation can file claims via the official settlement website. The process requires basic personal details and proof of AT&T service during the breach period.

Applicants seeking reimbursement for financial losses must submit supporting documentation, such as bank or credit card statements showing unauthorized charges or identity theft-related expenses.

All claimants should detail the time spent managing breach-related matters, like preventing identity theft or disputing fraudulent charges. Each claim must be signed under penalty of perjury to confirm the accuracy of the provided information.

Important Deadlines

• The claims period opens on March 1, 2024.
• Claims must be submitted by July 1, 2024, to be eligible for compensation.
• The final court approval hearing is scheduled for September 2024. Payment distribution will commence after final approval and resolution of any appeals.
• Customers wishing to exclude themselves from the settlement or object to its terms must do so by May 15, 2024.

Data Protection Steps

AT&T is required by the settlement to strengthen its data security practices. Planned improvements include regular security audits, comprehensive employee training, and updated encryption protocols.

Customers are encouraged to monitor credit reports regularly and use strong passwords on all accounts. The Federal Trade Commission advises enabling two-factor authentication for sensitive accounts and reviewing financial statements monthly.

The complimentary credit monitoring service provides real-time alerts for possible fraudulent activity, as well as up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.

Conclusion

AT&T’s settlement addresses the far-reaching consequences of a major data breach by offering compensation and new security measures to restore customer confidence. The agreement reflects increasing expectations for companies to protect personal information and respond to cyber incidents. What to watch: customers must file claims by July 1, 2024, and final court approval occurs in September 2024 before payments are issued.