Cyber-security experts share data protection tips following AT&T customer information breach

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - AT&T reported that over 100 million customers were affected when records were downloaded illegally onto a third-party platform in April.

Cyber-security partner, Collin Walke, at Hall Estill Law Firm said cell phone users are more vulnerable than they think, and the recent hack should serve as a wake-up call to keep their information safe.

“Everybody should be concerned about everything they do that is connected to the internet,” said Walke. “You’re creating a footprint of who you are,” adding that users have become too lax.

He said the first thing you can do to lower your risk of your information being gathered is to limit the amount of apps on your devices.

”Every single app you download, you should seriously consider not downloading,” Walke said. “Every one that you download, you’re increasing the threat surface, the number of opportunities that an individual has to hack you.”

Other ways you can protect your data is to:

• Be cautious about what you’re texting
• Do not have embarrassing or sensitive photos on your phone
• Do not store passwords for accounts on your phone
• Make sure your microphone feature is turned off on all your apps
• Do not allow applications to track your location