The personal documents of several prominent Namibians, including NBC Board Chairperson Lazarus Jacobs, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board CEO Nangula Uaandja, activist Michael Amushelelo, Speaker of the National Assembly Prof. Peter Katjavivi, and Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, have been leaked on social media following a significant cyberattack on Telecom Namibia.
The breach has exposed over 300,000 personal records, including passports, identity cards, and other sensitive documents belonging to government ministers, Cabinet members, and ordinary citizens. This data leak marks one of the most severe breaches in Namibia's cybersecurity history.
Audrin Mathe, Executive Director in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, addressed the role of the Office of the Prime Minister in managing cybersecurity issues:
“The Office of the Prime Minister is responsible for addressing matters of cybersecurity,” he stated.
Another so-called threat actor has allegedly surfaced on watchdog websites, claiming to sell access to data belonging to the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
This appears to be the result of a subsequent cyberattack on the ministry's computer systems.
The perpetrator claims to possess sensitive information about the ministry itself, along with certain pharmaceutical data, and is reportedly offering it for sale to any interested party.
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| The hacker trying to sell MoHSS data |
The government has yet to announce specific measures or actions being taken to contain the fallout from the breach and prevent further incidents.
The Namibian Police could not confirm whether Telecom Namibia had opened a case with its Cyber Crime Unit. When approached for comment, the police referred inquiries to Telecom Namibia’s spokesperson, leaving many questions unanswered about the current state of the investigation.
Implications and Risks
The exposure of such sensitive documents puts individuals at risk of:
1. Identity Fraud: The leaked documents can be exploited to commit fraudulent activities.
2. Targeted Attacks: Prominent individuals may face harassment or exploitation.
3. Wider Public Impact: Ordinary citizens are equally vulnerable to phishing schemes and financial fraud.
Cybersecurity experts have urged affected individuals to remain cautious, monitor their personal information, and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The breach highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and protocols across Namibia’s public and private sectors. Telecom Namibia has yet to issue a follow-up statement addressing the new revelations.