The Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has fallen victim to a data breach that exposed the personal details of certain students online, the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) has confirmed.
According to NAM-CSIRT, which operates under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), the breach was discovered after a file containing student data surfaced online. Authorities, however, say the file has since been taken down and is no longer accessible.
An investigation has been launched to determine the full scope of the breach, including whether ransomware or other malicious activity was involved.
“This matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and updates will follow as more information becomes available,” said NAM-CSIRT head, Mrs. Emilia Nghikembua.
The incident has raised growing concerns over data protection and cybersecurity in Namibia, particularly regarding sensitive information held by public institutions. NSFAF, which administers student loans and grants, handles vast amounts of personal and financial data belonging to thousands of students across the country.
At this stage, officials have not confirmed how many students were affected, but reassurance has been given that efforts are underway to mitigate any potential risks.
Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
