Largest telecom in Africa warns of cyber incident exposing customer data

Largest Telecom in Africa Warns of Cyber Incident Exposing Customer Data

MTN Group, the largest telecommunications company in Africa, has reported a cyberattack that has exposed the personal information of an unspecified number of customers. The Johannesburg-based firm stated that an “unknown third-party” is claiming to have accessed data linked to parts of its system, leading to unauthorised access to customer data in certain markets.

Source: The Record

Key Points

  • MTN Group operates in over 20 countries and boasts more than 200 million subscribers.
  • The company assures that their core network, billing systems, and financial services infrastructure remain secure and operational.
  • No information on the number of impacted customers or the nature of the stolen data has been disclosed.
  • Authorities, including the South African Police Service, have been informed about the incident.
  • This cyber incident follows previous attacks on South African telecom companies, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the sector.

Why should I read this?

This article sheds light on a significant cybersecurity incident affecting one of Africa’s largest telecom providers. It’s a reminder of how quickly data can be compromised, and it’s crucial for consumers and businesses alike to understand the implications of such breaches. If you’ve got an MTN account, or if you’re just interested in the state of cybersecurity in Africa, this is worth a read to stay informed!