The uncarrier network T-Mobile recently reported that hackers have stolen more than 15 million customer information during a breach of its partner's database. T-Mobile said that the attack did not compromise its own computer system, but rather those of its credit partner which is Experian.
According to the Washington Post, T-Mobile customers who signed up for financing or service from the company in the last two years have a big possibility that their personal information were stolen.
Hackers did not directly attack T-Mobile's network, but rather its credit partner Experian which is a data vendor and credit bureau.
T-Mobile chief executive officer John Legere said in a public statement, "Obviously I am incredibly angry about this data breach and we will institute a thorough review of our relationship with Experian. I take our customer and prospective customer privacy VERY seriously."
On the other hand, Experian claim that the attack on its computer systems took place in September 2013. The attack was only discovered two years later on Sept. 15. Aside from T-Mobile, customer information from other Experian partners was also hacked.
Reports claim that only financial information was stolen. However, online security experts said that not because only financial information were stolen does not mean that hackers were not able to access sensitive personal information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers, birthdays and even passport numbers.
As of this writing, no hacker group claims responsibility to the attack. According to CNN, stolen information might end up being sold in black markets where firms dealing in fraud and identity theft can use it for their own personal gain.