FBI to probe AT&T security breach

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- The FBI said it is probing a breach of U.S. telecommunications giant AT&T's wireless network that exposed iPad users' e-mail addresses and network ID numbers.

FBI spokesman Paul Bresson said Thursday the agency was aware of "possible computer intrusions," The Washington Post reported Friday.

Many high-profile government officials are iPad 3G users and may be among the affected customers, the Gawker Web site said. Gawker reported the incident Wednesday and obtained a list of 114,000 users whose e-mail addresses were accessed by the hacking group known as Goatse Security, the Post said.

AT&T holds an exclusive contract for Apple's iPhone and tablet computer iPad. The company said Wednesday it closed the security hole and would notify affected users.

The intrusion highlights the need for better Internet privacy and security protections, regulators told the Post.

"I am concerned about the report of a security breach to AT&T's network that exposed the personal data of more than a hundred thousand iPad users," said Jamie Barnett, chief of the Federal Communications Commission's public safety bureau. "The FCC's cyber security mission is to ensure that broadband networks are safe and secure for the consumers and businesses that depend on them. The FCC will continue to work with all stakeholders to prevent future security breaches that violate consumer privacy and undermine trust in America's communications infrastructure."