AT&T’s Unconventional Approach: Did They Just Pay a Hacker Over $300K?

In a rather shocking turn of events, a hacker has claimed to have demonstrated the deletion of stolen data from AT&T’s servers after receiving a payment exceeding $300,000. The hacker reportedly shared a video as evidence of this deletion. Yes, you read that correctly—AT&T reportedly funded this individual or group to ensure their sensitive information was securely removed.

This development raises numerous questions about the effectiveness of such an action. Can a video really serve as conclusive proof that data has been eliminated? Is it wise for AT&T to engage in payment negotiations with hackers? More importantly, does this potentially create an incentive for further attacks?

WIRED reviewed the assertions made by the hacker, examining the video purportedly sent to AT&T that allegedly confirms the deletion of the compromised data. However, AT&T has yet to issue any comments regarding this incident, leaving many to wonder about the company’s stance on its cybersecurity protocols moving forward.

You can find the full report on WIRED’s website for a deeper dive into this intriguing situation: AT&T Paid Hacker $300,000 to Delete Stolen Call Records.

As events unfold, it would be interesting to hear your thoughts: Does this set a dangerous precedent for companies facing similar threats? Could such a lucrative payment encourage hackers to target more businesses, believing they can profit from illegal activities? Let us know what you think!