NatWest issues warning to customers following Three data hack that put thousands at risk
NatWest discovered 600,000 of its customers were potentially caught up in the mobile giant's data breach
NATWEST has warned more than half a million customers to stay "vigilant" after their personal data was put at risk by Three Mobile hackers.
The bank contacted those potentially affected by the mobile giant's data breach by looking through their direct debits.
It's after crooks accessed Three’s computer systems in to order to steal hundreds of new handsets.
In a stark warning today, NatWest told how it would never ask for personal details such as a PIN or full password.
Almost 600,000 customers will be contacted by the bank as they hope to avoid potential security scares.
The message sent to NatWest customers, read: "We can see you're a customer of Three.
"We know Three have contacted those affected by the data breach issue last week, but we want to remind you that as your bank we'll never ask you for details like your PIN or full password.
"Remember to always be vigilant for suspicious emails, texts or phone calls and don't let anyone access your online banking.
"Find out more on our website by searching 'Security Centre' or if you have any concerns, please contact us."
What information was stolen during the cyber attack on Three Mobile?
For the larger group of customers – around 107,000 – information that could have been obtained included:
Whether they are a handset or SIM only customer, contract start and end date, handset type, Three account number, how long they’ve been with Three, whether the bill is paid by cash or card, billing date and name.
For the smaller group – around 26,500 customers – information that could of been accessed included:
Name, address, date of birth, gender, handset type, contract start and end date, whether they are a handset or SIM only customer, telephone number, email address, previous address, marital status, employment status, Three account number and phone number and how long they’ve been with Three.
No financial information, bank details, payment information, passwords or pin numbers were viewed or obtained.
Following the data breach earlier this month, Three Mobile have confirmed more than 133,000 customers were affected.
Hackers used information to steal hundreds of high-value mobile handsets but no bank details or passwords were obtained by the scammers.
However, some did have their personal information, such as names and addresses, accessed.
A NatWest spokesman said: "“Keeping our customers safe and secure is a major priority for us.
"Three announced last week that criminals had successfully access their customer database, so we have been reminding our customers who have a direct debit with Three that we will never ask for their PIN or full password and to be vigilant for suspicious emails, texts or phone calls.
"While we have been contacting specific customers in this instance, we regularly send the same advice to all our customers to help them spot fraudulent contact attempts and help keep their money safe.”
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