Author: Matthew Miller

Quick Read

• AT&T experiences a significant data breach, affecting 109 million customer accounts in the United States.
• The data that has been compromised includes call and text records from the year 2022.
• The FBI and the US Federal Communications Commission are conducting an investigation.
• The security breach came after a ransomware attack on UnitedHealth Group in February.
• AT&T has blocked the route of unauthorized access.

AT&T Data Breach: Current Information and Insights

The American telecommunications behemoth AT&T has disclosed a major data breach affecting the call and text records of approximately 109 million US customer accounts. This breach took place in April when the data was unlawfully extracted from a third-party cloud service.

Extent of the Violation

The breached data encompasses call and text records from May to October 2022 for virtually all AT&T cellular and landline clients. It’s essential to clarify that the content of these calls and texts, as well as personal details like social security numbers, were not part of the compromised information. Additionally, the records involve interactions from AT&T customers of mobile virtual network operators using AT&T’s wireless network.

Ongoing Investigations

The FBI is presently examining the breach, and at least one person has been detained. The US Federal Communications Commission is also conducting an investigation. The FBI and the US Justice Department cooperated with AT&T to handle the incident-response and exchange essential threat intelligence.

Delayed Public Disclosure

The US Justice Department requested a delay in the public announcement of the hack. AT&T discovered the breach on April 19, following claims by a hacker that they had illegally obtained and duplicated AT&T’s call logs from April 14 to April 25.

Previous Data Incidents

This breach is the most recent in a string of major cyber-attacks impacting a large number of Americans. In February, UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare division experienced a ransomware attack that may have compromised the personal information of a third of the US population. Moreover, in March, AT&T looked into a data set that was released on the dark web, seemingly impacting about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders. This data set appeared to originate from 2019 or earlier.

Potential Consequences and Future Actions

Although AT&T has sealed the breach of unauthorized access and does not think the data is accessible to the public, the company is still collaborating closely with federal investigators to ensure the ongoing security and privacy of its customers’ information.

Summary

The AT&T data breach has impacted about 109 million US customer accounts, revealing call and text records from 2022. The FBI and other federal agencies are currently investigating the incident, and AT&T has secured the breach’s source. This occurrence highlights the increasing necessity for strong cybersecurity measures to protect consumer data.

Q&A

Q: What type of information was affected in the AT&T security breach?

A:

The breached data encompasses records of calls and texts from May to October 2022 for almost all AT&T cellular and landline users. Nevertheless, it excludes the content of calls or texts and personal details such as social security numbers.

Who is currently looking into the AT&T data breach?

A:

The breach is being investigated by both the FBI and the US Federal Communications Commission. At least one person has been arrested in relation to the incident.

When did AT&T become aware of the breach?

A:

AT&T initially discovered the breach on April 19, when a hacker asserted that they had illicitly accessed and duplicated AT&T’s call logs from April 14 to April 25.

Q: Has AT&T implemented any measures to avoid future security breaches?

A:

Indeed, AT&T has addressed the point of unauthorized access and is collaborating closely with federal investigators to improve its cybersecurity protocols and safeguard customer information in the future.

AMD Broadens AI Potential with Purchase of Silo AI

Quick Read

• AMD plans to purchase Finnish AI startup Silo AI for about AU$1 billion.
• This acquisition is intended to improve AMD’s AI chip capabilities, positioning the company to compete with Nvidia.
• Silo AI focuses on comprehensive AI-powered solutions, catering to clients such as Philips, Rolls-Royce, and Unilever.
• The deal is anticipated to be finalized in the latter half of 2024.
• In recent years, AMD has broadened its presence in AI through various acquisitions and investments.

Advancing the Capabilities of AI Chips

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) plans to purchase the Finnish AI startup Silo AI for approximately US$665 million (AU$985 million) in cash. This strategic move aligns with AMD’s larger initiative to boost its AI chip technology and better compete with market leader Nvidia.

Accelerating the Creation and Implementation of AI Models

Building and training large language models presents significant challenges, even for leading tech firms. By acquiring Silo AI, AMD aims to enhance the creation and implementation of AI models powered by AMD. This strategic move is anticipated to help customers develop sophisticated AI models with AMD’s hardware, thereby bolstering AMD’s software development capabilities.

Silo AI’s Knowledge and Client Base

Located in Helsinki, Finland, Silo AI focuses on delivering comprehensive AI-driven solutions that assist clients in incorporating advanced technology into their offerings. Operating across Europe and North America, Silo AI’s clientele includes prominent firms like Philips, Rolls-Royce, and Unilever. After the acquisition, Peter Sarlin, the CEO and co-founder of Silo AI, will persist in leading the unit within the AMD Artificial Intelligence Group.

Tactical Actions in the Artificial Intelligence Sphere

This acquisition represents another crucial move for AMD as the company broadens its presence in the rapidly growing AI field. In the past year, AMD has taken over AI software companies Mipsology and Nod.ai. Furthermore, the company has poured over US$125 million into approximately twelve AI firms within the last 12 months. These strategic initiatives highlight AMD’s dedication to establishing itself as a significant force in the AI industry.

Summary

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is strategically enhancing its AI capabilities by acquiring Finnish startup Silo AI for around AU$1 billion. The acquisition is intended to strengthen AMD’s position against Nvidia by advancing the development and deployment of its AI models. Leveraging Silo AI’s expertise and strong client base, this move is expected to have a substantial impact on AMD’s future business direction.

Q&A Session

What is the main motivation for AMD’s purchase of Silo AI?

A: The main objective is to enhance the AI chip performance of AMD and advance the creation and implementation of AI models powered by AMD.

Q: Can you name any prominent clients of Silo AI?

Silo AI caters to notable clients such as Philips, Rolls-Royce, and Unilever.

When is the transaction projected to be finalized?

The purchase is anticipated to be finalized in the latter part of 2024.

Q: In what way does this acquisition align with AMD’s overall strategy?

This purchase aligns with AMD’s strategy to broaden its presence in the AI industry, building on earlier acquisitions of Mipsology and Nod.ai, as well as major investments in various other AI firms.

Will this agreement have an immediate effect on AMD’s financial results?

The agreement will not have an immediate effect on AMD’s financial results, according to Vamsi Boppana, AMD’s senior vice president of AI, but it is anticipated to create substantial business prospects in the future.