Cybersafetyconnections April 28th, 2025, vol#217
- From konbriefing ,MTN Group South Africa experienced a cybersecurity incident.
- The cyberattack may have compromised some customers personal information in certain markets.
- The reason for the cyberattack has not yet been identified from the information available.
- We have reports that an unknown third party has claimed to have accessed data linked to parts of MTN’s systems.
- Here is how MTN is mitigating loss from the cyberattack.
What happened?
According to Techcentral.co.za on April 24th,2025 MTN Group announced that it became a victim of a cybersecurity incident which led to unauthorized access to some customers’ personal information in certain markets.
This incident, the details of which MTN has not fully disclosed, follows a recent cybersecurity event experienced by Cell C, which later confirmed was a ransomware attack.
Who was impacted?
Free Illustration, Hacking, Hacker, Hack, Secirity……
As mentioned above, reports have it that the cyberattack led to unauthorized access to some customers’ personal information in certain markets.
Why did the cyberattack happen?
There are no known reasons given for the cyberattack from the information/reports we have so far.
Which cybercriminal group claimed responsibility for the cyberattack?
An unknown third party has claimed to have accessed data linked to parts of MTN’s systems.
How did MTN mitigate loss from the cyberattack?
OWASP Threat and Safeguard Matrix
From MTN.com, MTN Group informed stakeholders that it experienced a cybersecurity incident resulting in unauthorized access to personal information of some MTN customers in certain markets.
MTN reported that however core network, billing systems, and financial services infrastructure remained secure and fully operational.
Now in response to the cyberattack;
- The Group immediately activated its cybersecurity response processes, which included informing the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks.
- MTN notified the relevant authorities in other countries and will continue to update them as MTN work closely with law enforcement agencies to support their investigations.
- MTN has initiated the process of notifying affected customers in compliance with local legal and regulatory obligations.
- MTN encouraged customers to remain vigilant and follow these security measures:
a) To mitigate potential fraudulent consequences, consider
placing a fraud alert on your credit report with any of the
major credit bureaus.
b) Keep your MTN, MoMo, and banking apps, as well as your
devices, updated.
c) Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and change
them regularly.
d) Be cautious of unexpected messages and avoid clicking on
suspicious links.
e) Do not disclose sensitive information such as passwords,
PINs, or OTPs when asked via phone, text message, or email.
f) Activate multifactor authentication where available.
COPilot
And as is customary, I asked my Ai able Assistant Copilot, on mitigating loss from cyber-attack and here is what Copilot has to say;
MTN has assured stakeholders that its core systems remain secure, but vigilance and swift action are crucial in minimizing risks
MTN Johannesburg can take several steps to mitigate losses from the recent cyberattack:
- Strengthen Security Measures – Ensure that core infrastructure, billing systems, and financial platforms remain secure. Implement multi-factor authentication and regularly update security protocols.
- Customer Communication & Support – Notify affected customers and provide guidance on protecting their data, such as avoiding suspicious links and updating passwords.
- Fraud Prevention – Encourage customers to place fraud alerts on their credit reports and monitor their accounts for unusual activity.
- Collaboration with Authorities – Work closely with law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service and cybersecurity experts, to investigate and contain the breach.
- Ongoing Monitoring & Response – Continuously assess the extent of the breach and take proactive steps to prevent further unauthorized access.
Conclusion
The privacy of information is MTN’s top priority, and MTN is committed to safeguarding the integrity of their systems and maintaining the trust placed in them by customers and stakeholders.
MTN stated that it would continue to manage the situation with care.
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