Archive for June 6, 2025

TELUS Achieves First Public Safety Priority Slice Trial, Enhancing Public Safety During Major Events

Posted in Commentary with tags on June 6, 2025 by itnerd

TELUS has successfully deployed 5G priority slice technology to enhance public safety during the Edmonton Oilers playoff run. The successful deployment, implemented in collaboration with Edmonton Police Service in a live operational environment, demonstrated flawless performance of critical surveillance systems even during periods of extreme network congestion, marking the first time a dedicated 5G network slice has been used for emergency services in Canada.

The trial demonstrated significant improvements over traditional network performance. During periods of high congestion, the 5G priority slice maintained 100 per cent service availability, ensuring uninterrupted, and high-quality video streams from strategically placed CCTV cameras across downtown Edmonton. While standard networks faced potential slowdowns during peak traffic, these priority-connected cameras consistently delivered real-time visual coverage, providing Edmonton Police with the reliable, continuous situational awareness needed for effective crowd management and public safety during the high-profile playoff games.

For more information about TELUS’ innovative 5G solutions, please visit telus.com/network.

Sensata notifies victims of ransomware data breach that compromised SSNs, financial and medical info

Posted in Commentary with tags on June 6, 2025 by itnerd

Industrial tech maker Sensata yesterday confirmed it notified victims of an April 2025 data breach that compromised names, SSNs, Tax ID numbers, government-issued ID numbers, financial account info, payment card info, medical info, health insurance info, and DOBs. 

In a blog post reporting this news, Paul Bischoff, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Comparitech, wrote:

“In 2025 to date, Comparitech researchers have logged 21 confirmed ransomware attacks on US manufacturers. We’re monitoring another 334 unconfirmed claims that haven’t been acknowledged by the targeted companies.”

“The manufacturing industry is a growing target for hackers. The total number of attacks rose from 40 in 2022 to 85 in 2023 and 94 in 2024. The number of records breached rose accordingly as well, from 1 million in 2023 to 2.5 million in 2024.”

“Ransomware attacks on US manufacturers can both steal data and lock down computer systems, leading to costly production delays and significant business risks. Manufacturers must pay a ransom or face extended downtime, data loss, and putting data subjects at increased risk of fraud.”

Wonderful. Another health care industry data breach. It shows that threat actors are running wild which is completely insane. The fact is that the insanity needs to stop and stop now.

An Old AT&T Data Breach From 2021 Has Resurfaced

Posted in Commentary with tags on June 6, 2025 by itnerd

A threat actor has re-released data from a 2021 AT&T breach affecting 70 million customers, this time combining previously separate files to directly link Social Security numbers and birth dates to individual users. Bleeping Computer has details:

A threat actor has re-released data from a 2021 AT&T breach affecting 70 million customers, this time combining previously separate files to directly link Social Security numbers and birth dates to individual users.

AT&T told BleepingComputer that they are investigating the data but also believe it originates from the known breach and was repackaged into a new leak.

“It is not uncommon for cybercriminals to repackage previously disclosed data for financial gain. We just learned about claims that AT&T data is being made available for sale on dark web forums, and we are conducting a full investigation,” AT&T told BleepingComputer.

Roger Grimes, Data-Driven Defense Evangelist at KnowBe4 had this to say:

“I have to think that our data leaks have been so pervasive for so long that whether or not this particular leak package is new or old really doesn’t matter. I’m pretty sure my Social Security number has been stolen, leaked, and sold a few dozen times over the last five years. What does one more personal data leak mean to me…or really anyone? Anyone can already look up anyone else’s personal information. What does one more data leak really mean? It’s not increasing the risk that I and others are already facing. At this point, is there a cybercriminal willing to pay for any of it, since they can all access a dozen plus previous data leaks with nearly the same information? My Social Security number and date of birth don’t change between leaks. I have a hard time getting worked up over any single data leak. The horse is already out of the barn.”

Chris Hauk, Consumer Privacy Champion at Pixel Privacy follows with this comment:

“While this is simply repackaged data, created by combining two different information caches, it can still be a danger to affected users. Having the information in one package means bad actors can do more with the data, making it easier for them to attempt to open accounts in victims’ names or use the information to send phishing emails and texts in an attempt to steal more information, like banking and credit card info. AT&T customers should stay alert for phishing attempts, as well as new accounts being opened in their name.”

Clearly everything old is new again when it comes to data breaches. That’s why it’s important to stop them before they happen. Because once that stolen information is out there, it’s out there forever.