Mint Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator in the USA, has warned customers of a data breach. The number of customers affected by the breach is unknown but Bleeping Computer reports that the compromised data includes customer names, telephone numbers, email addresses and IMEIs. Mint Mobile reassured customers that their credit card numbers, social security numbers and passwords remain safe.
No explanation has been given for how the breach occurred. Very little has been disclosed about this breach, despite the steady increase of new US laws and regulations that demand the authorities are notified when breaches occur. Management are unlikely to want adverse attention at this time because they are awaiting the closure of a deal which would see T-Mobile US acquiring Mint Mobile’s parent company for USD1.35bn. In October, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asked various questions as part of their process for deciding whether to approve the transfer of Mint Mobile to new owners. These included a demand for more detail concerning “data security breaches and cyberattacks” that Mint Mobile has suffered.
Mint Mobile has an estimated customer base of between of 2 and 3 million customers and it offers tariffs that seek to undercut other providers. It is most famous for the fact that Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds (pictured) is an owner. Reynolds prominently features in Mint Mobile’s advertising and has promised he would remain a spokesperson for the brand if the sale to T-Mobile goes through.
