Georgia Power Data Breach

A cyberattack may have exposed some Georgia Power customers' account information, the company says. Around 300,000 customers were affected.

Photo: Photo as published by WTVM.com

Georgia Power is investigating an unauthorized data breach that may have accessed some of its customers' information. The company detected unauthorized activity by a third party on some accounts recently.

The unauthorized party had access to some information connected to accounts, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and the last four digits of social security numbers.

The breach did not allow the third party to see information such as bank account, payment card or driver's license numbers, Georgia Power said. The company took immediate steps to stop the activity and has engaged law enforcement.

Georgia Power does not believe the unauthorized access to accounts is still going. The identity of the third party behind the data breach has not been released.

The company is offering customers who were affected a year of free credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services through Equifax.

Around 300,000 of Georgia Power's 2.8 million customers were affected, as well as about 100,000 customers at Georgia Power's sister utilities in Alabama and Mississippi.

Georgia Power has notified customers by email and by the U.S. Postal Service. The company is advising customers to be cautious and to beware of individuals claiming to be a Georgia Power representative.

Key facts

  • Around 300,000 Georgia Power customers were affected by the data breach.
  • The breach exposed information including names, addresses, and phone numbers.
  • The company is offering free credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services to affected customers.
  • About 100,000 customers at Georgia Power's sister utilities in Alabama and Mississippi were also affected.

Three perspectives

Neutral

The data breach is under investigation and Georgia Power is taking steps to protect its customers. Customers are advised to be cautious and monitor their accounts. The incident highlights the need for companies to ensure the security of their customers' information.

Positive

Georgia Power is taking proactive steps to protect its customers, including offering free credit monitoring and identity theft restoration services. The company's quick response to the breach may help minimize its impact.

Negative

The data breach is a significant concern for Georgia Power customers, who may be at risk of identity theft. The company's security measures were apparently inadequate, allowing the breach to occur.

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