Hackers break into AT&T's online store

AT&T on Tuesday said hackers broke into one of its computer systems and accessed personal data on thousands of customers who used its online store.

The information that was illegally accessed includes credit card numbers, AT&T said in a statement. The cyber attack affects about 19,000 customers who purchased equipment for high-speed DSL internet connections through AT&T's website, the company said.

Priscilla Hill-Ardoin, chief privacy officer for AT&T, said in the statement: "We deeply regret this incident. We will work closely with law enforcement to bring these data thieves to account."

The break-in occurred over the weekend and was discovered within hours, after which the online store was shut down, AT&T said. The telecommunications company quickly notified credit card companies and is in the process of contacting the affected customers via email, phone and letter, it said.

The incident is the latest in a long string of data security breaches. Since early last year, more than 90 million personal records have been exposed in dozens of incidents, according to information compiled by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

AT&T is offering to pay for credit monitoring services for customers whose accounts have been impacted because they could be at risk of identity fraud. The company has also made available a toll-free number for affected customers to call for more information.

Joris Evers writes for CNET News.com