iPad User Data Exposed Via Security Flaw

Reuters - AT&T Inc said on Wednesday some users of Apple's iPad have had personal information exposed via a network security flaw, two months after the tablet computer was launched and smashed sales expectations.


The breach, first reported by the website Gawker, led to the exposure only of email addresses, AT&T said in a statement. The wireless operator has exclusive U.S. rights to carry the iPad and the popular iPhone.


The company apologized and said it will inform any customers who had been impacted by the security breach. AT&T said it learned of the problem on Monday and has since corrected the flaw.


"This issue was escalated to the highest levels of the company and was corrected by Tuesday; and we have essentially turned off the feature that provided the email addresses," spokesman Mark Siegel said in an email statement.


Apple did not respond to a request for comment.


The iPad, launched in April, has already sold more than 2 million units worldwide. Buzz around the device -- which alongside the iPhone will form a pivotal part of the company's international growth strategy -- helped propel Apple past Microsoft in May to become the world's most valuable technology stock.
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On Wednesday, Gawker said it was informed of the flaw and given a list of the email addresses by a group of hackers.

Its report said more than 100,000 iPad user accounts may have been compromised. Gawker reported that it obtained a list of email addresses that included celebrities, politicians and chief executives. [via Reuters]