AT&T Provides Explanation for Major Outage, Ruling Out Cyberattack as the Cause

AT&T Provides Explanation for Major Outage, Ruling Out Cyberattack as the Cause

AT&T customers across the United States experienced a frustrating 12-hour-long outage on Thursday, which left them without cellphone service, texting, or internet access. This widespread disruption affected not only AT&T users but also its subsidiary, Cricket. However, AT&T has since confirmed that the outage was not the result of a cyberattack, but rather an “incorrect process” during a network expansion.

The outage led to approximately 75,000 customers reporting the issue on DownDetector.com, although it is believed that the actual number of affected customers may be higher. iPhone users saw an “SOS” message on their screens, indicating that they could only make emergency or Wi-Fi calls. Android users faced a similar situation with limited functionality. Unfortunately, some AT&T users, including law enforcement officials, were unable to make 911 calls during this period.

Following the outage, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reached out to the FBI and other agencies to investigate the incident. The FBI stated that it had communicated with AT&T and would respond accordingly if any malicious activity were discovered.

AT&T advised its customers to connect to Wi-Fi to use their phones until the service was restored. Most Android devices and iPhones have a built-in Wi-Fi calling feature that can be activated through the phone’s settings. However, for those without access to Wi-Fi, options were limited. Switching to another service provider is possible if a phone is unlocked, but it requires signing up online and porting your phone number. Certain apps like Google Maps can still function offline, and payment apps do not rely on cellular service and should be usable.

The outage caught the attention of politicians in Washington, who expressed concern and called for a thorough investigation. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Bob Latta (R-Ohio) stated that they were working to understand the cause of the disruption and prevent similar incidents in the future. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) raised concerns about potential cyberattacks from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and warned of devastating consequences if such an attack were to occur.

In recent years, federal officials have increasingly warned about the CCP’s cyber capabilities, emphasizing the constant threat posed by groups associated with the regime. FBI Director Chris Wray highlighted China’s offensive weapons within critical infrastructure and their potential to launch attacks when deemed appropriate by Beijing.

This outage serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of our interconnected systems and the potential consequences of cyberattacks. While AT&T has ruled out a cyberattack as the cause of this particular incident, it underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures across industries. As technology continues to play an increasingly significant role in our lives, safeguarding against disruptions caused by human error or malicious intent becomes paramount.

Change Healthcare, a company handling patient payments and orders for pharmacies nationwide, also reported a cybersecurity incident this week. The company took immediate action to disconnect its systems upon detecting the threat, prioritizing the protection of its partners and patients.

As investigations into these incidents continue, it is crucial for both individuals and organizations to remain vigilant in implementing cybersecurity measures. The reliance on technology will only continue to grow, making it essential to stay ahead of potential threats and ensure the integrity and availability of critical services.