AT&T’s Payment to Hacker: Did They Really Delete Stolen Data?

In a rather astonishing turn of events, AT&T reportedly disbursed over $300,000 to a hacker or group of hackers, who then shared a video as proof that the stolen data had been deleted. Yes, you read that correctly—over $300,000 in exchange for a video that allegedly showcases the removal of sensitive information. It raises several questions: Is this genuine? Can we trust a mere video as definitive evidence of data deletion?

WIRED recently investigated the claims and managed to view the video submitted by the hacker to AT&T, purportedly demonstrating that the telecom giant’s stolen data was indeed eliminated from their system. However, AT&T has yet to provide a public comment regarding this situation, leaving many to speculate about the implications of such a transaction.

One can’t help but wonder: does this payment set a dangerous precedent? By paying off the hacker, aren’t they essentially providing an incentive for further attacks? After all, if hackers know they can cash in by threatening to release or disseminate sensitive data, the cycle of hacking could continue unabated.

The situation prompts a deeper discussion about cybersecurity practices and the potential repercussions of engaging in negotiations with cybercriminals. Are there better ways for companies to safeguard their data without resorting to such drastic measures?

As the story unfolds, we’ll keep an eye on how AT&T and other companies respond to the threats posed by hackers. Will they reinforce their security measures, or could we see an uptick in similar situations? Only time will tell.

For further details, check out the full article by WIRED here.