T-Mobile USA denies losing customer data to hackers

Mobile operator admits servers were breached, but insists no information was taken.
T-Mobile USA on Tuesday denied speculation that a security breach resulted in stolen customer and corporate data.

Reports surfaced Monday with claims that T-Mobile's servers had been accessed by an outside party, and that crucial data was taken. T-Mobile acknowledged the breach, but denied that any information was pilfered.

"The company is conducting a thorough investigation and at this time has found no evidence that customer information, or other company information, has been compromised," T-Mobile said in an emailed statement.

The carrier, a unit of Deutsche Telekom AG, also said it was taking additional measures to protect its systems and customer data.

Security breaches have become a growing threat, particularly within the wireless industry. In November, Verizon Wireless employees accessed then President-elect Barack Obama's personal cell-phone account, prompting quick disciplinary action. Hackers have developed bugs and other viruses capable of invading cellphones, although those threats are in their early stages.

T-Mobile is eager to avoid any negative publicity. The carrier has struggled to maintain its growth amid the increasingly competitive wireless business, with subscriber growth falling nearly 60% in the first quarter.