MTN Faces Unauthorised Data Breach, Sparks Concern

MTN Group has disclosed a cybersecurity breach that led to the unauthorised access of personal data belonging to some customers in select markets. The telecoms giant said the incident, which was announced late Thursday, did not compromise its core infrastructure or service platforms.

According to MTN, its billing systems, financial service platforms and main network remain “secure and fully operational.” While the company refrained from revealing the full scope of the incident, it stated that a third party had accessed data linked to specific parts of its systems.

“At this stage, we do not have any information to suggest that customers’ accounts and wallets have been directly compromised,” the company assured.

Uncertainty looms over affected regions

Though MTN has not specified which of its markets were hit, the involvement of the South African Police Service and the Hawks suggests its operations in South Africa may be among those affected. The company added that law enforcement agencies in other impacted countries will be notified accordingly.

“We are in the process of notifying affected customers in compliance with local legal and regulatory obligations,” MTN said. It also urged customers to remain cautious and adopt basic online safety practices.

This revelation comes on the heels of a similar incident involving South African mobile operator Cell C, which later confirmed a ransomware attack.

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