In a data breach affecting about 100,000 Alabama Power accounts, hackers accessed personal information.
Southern Company said an unauthorized third party accessed customer information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and the last four digits of Social Security numbers.
Here's what to know
Southern Company, Alabama Power's parent company, said roughly 400,000 customer accounts across its utilities were affected, including about 100,000 of Alabama Power's 1.6 million accounts, according to WSFA.
The information exposed included account records such as customers' names, contact information, and partial Social Security numbers, Southern Company said. The company added that the incident did not include bank account information, payment card details, or driver's license numbers.
Southern Company said it detected "suspicious activity" involving its online customer portal and determined the incident involved access by an "unauthorized third party."
What's being done?
After discovering suspicious activity in its customer portal, Southern Company said it "took immediate steps to stop the activity and have engaged law enforcement."
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The company also said it conducted a "thorough investigation" and has "not identified any evidence of ongoing unauthorized access."
Southern Company said it is offering a year of complimentary Equifax credit monitoring along with customer notifications.
Southern Company said, "We understand the trust our customers place in us and remain committed to protecting their information. We are in the process of notifying affected customers, along with providing free credit monitoring."
Where can I learn more?
These articles report on how utility companies affect customers and the power system. They cover provider profits, utility lawsuits, and heavy electricity demand from crypto mining.
• Major U.S. providers faced backlash as profits and customer tactics drew renewed criticism.
• U.S. utilities sued Toshiba over a botched clean energy project they said harmed customers.
• In Texas, crypto miners became massive new power consumers while straining electricity demand.
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