Windhoek, Namibia, Telecom Namibia has suffered a massive cyberattack that has exposed over 626 GB of sensitive data, including thousands of customers’ personal and financial information. The breach is regarded as one of the largest cybersecurity incidents in Namibia’s history, putting approximately half a million Namibians at risk.
According to reports, the leaked data includes:
- Identity document copies
- Bank details and financial records
- Customer contracts
- Telecom Namibia’s internal budget reports
The hackers, suspected to have insider assistance, released the stolen data on the dark web after Telecom Namibia allegedly refused to pay the demanded ransom. This refusal escalated the situation, resulting in the public exposure of customer and company information.
Response from Telecom Namibia
In an earlier statement, Telecom Namibia CEO Stanley Shanapinda had reassured the public that no customer data had been compromised. However, the scale of the leaked data suggests otherwise. In response to the incident, Telecom Namibia issued a public statement promising to assess the full extent of the breach and address the issue responsibly.
“We assure you that the security of our customers’ information remains our priority,” Telecom Namibia stated.
Risks to Namibians
The exposed data puts affected customers at significant risk of:
1. Identity Theft: Stolen ID copies can be used to commit fraud.
2. Financial Fraud: Leaked banking details may enable unauthorized transactions.
3. Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals may exploit the leaked information to target individuals with deceptive communications.
Cybersecurity experts warn that affected customers should remain vigilant and take immediate steps to secure their accounts, monitor bank activities, and report suspicious transactions.
Telecom Namibia has promised to issue a detailed statement addressing concerns and providing guidance to affected individuals. Customers are encouraged to stay updated through Telecom Namibia’s official channels.
Read more
