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TalkTalk is warning its customers that their data may have been compromised in an earlier breach of the company’s computer systems.
According to the firm, scammers managed to illicitly acquire account numbers and names of customers for nefarious means.
Specifically, TalkTalk described how scammers were using the information to try and trick customers into giving up their bank details.
While the breach has only actually affected a few thousand customer accounts, TalkTalk has warned its entire user-base.
The company has also set up a dedicated phone line for customers to call if they believe they have become a target of scammers.
TalkTalk uncovered the data theft after investigating a sharp increase in customer complaints over scam calls during the period between October and December last year.
A TalkTalk spokesperson (via BBC) said: “We have now concluded a thorough investigation working with an external security company, and we have become aware that some limited non-sensitive information may have been illegally accessed in violation of our security procedure.”
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Hackers purportedly gained access to TalkTalk systems through a third-party that also had access to the network.
TalkTalk is now taking legal action against this third-party, although it’s not yet clear who or what the third-party is.
Information nabbed comprised of names, addresses, phone numbers, and TalkTalk account numbers, although no actual payment data was stolen.
“We are aware of a small, but nonetheless significant, number of customers who have been directly targeted by these criminals and we have been supporting them directly,” added the spokesperson.
