AT&T and T-Mobile boost cyber defenses as AI agents take over networks

AT&T and T-Mobile are increasing cybersecurity budgets and access controls as AI agents handle more network operations. Carriers are adding encryption, multi-factor authentication and agent verification, though fully autonomous networks remain years away.

• T-Mobile is expanding threat monitoring and pressing vendors for faster patches
• AT&T is deploying encryption, MFA and strict checks on external AI agents
• T-Mobile's automated systems restored service to 90% of affected users in 8 hours during a storm
• Carriers say fully autonomous networks are still years away