MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecom operator, has confirmed it was the target of a cybersecurity incident that resulted in the exposure of customer data in select markets and a demand from the attacker. The breach is under investigation, with support from law enforcement and regulatory authorities.
Details of the MTN Group Cybersecurity Incident
An MTN spokeswoman stated that the incident affected “certain markets,” though no complete list has been released. However, South Africa’s Information Regulator has been formally notified, suggesting MTN’s home market was among those impacted.
“For the customers we are notifying in affected markets, the personal information potentially accessed may include limited contact details such as names, surnames, and mobile numbers,” MTN said.
Demand Made by Threat Actor
MTN confirmed that a demand has been made by the threat actor, though the nature and amount of the demand remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
Affected users are being contacted directly via official channels in accordance with privacy laws and telecom regulations.
MTN Group’s Response to the Cybersecurity Breach
MTN says it is taking the breach seriously, working closely with:
- Digital forensics teams
- Law enforcement agencies
- Data protection regulators
So far, core systems such as billing platforms, mobile wallets, and customer databases appear to be unaffected, according to MTN’s internal assessment.
Internal Link: Explore: MTN Cybersecurity Breach Sparks Data Leak and Attacker Demand
Cyber Threats Rising in Africa’s Telecom Sector
This incident follows a series of attacks targeting telecom companies in Southern Africa:
- Cell C suffered a ransomware attack in January
- Telecom Namibia lost 600GB of data in a December breach
- Global incidents include attacks on Japan’s NTT and Switzerland’s Ascom
According to Check Point Software Technologies, South Africa’s telecom sector experienced an average of 1,062 cyberattacks per week over the past six months.
User Risks and Recommendations
While the data breach appears limited to non-financial information, security experts warn that stolen contact data could be used for:
- Phishing campaigns
- SIM swap fraud
- Identity theft
MTN Customer Advisory:
- Update all apps (MTN, banking, mobile money)
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Do not click on suspicious SMS or email links
- Report suspicious calls requesting sensitive info
Africa’s Expanding Mobile Footprint Increases Risk
According to the GSMA Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2024 report, Africa had 527 million mobile subscribers in 2023, expected to reach 751 million by 2030. This growing digital footprint makes telecom operators like MTN prime targets for hackers.
A Wake-Up Call for Telecom Security in Africa
The MTN Group cybersecurity incident underscores the urgent need for stronger data protection policies, cyber defense infrastructure, and user awareness in Africa’s booming telecom market. As more people rely on mobile connectivity for communication, finance, and commerce, the cost of cybersecurity failure grows exponentially.
