In a recent development, Telecom Namibia has become the latest victim of a cyberattack, resulting in the exposure of over 400,000 customer files. The incident took place on December 11, 2024, and has prompted a swift response from both local and international cybersecurity experts who are collaborating with the company to assess the extent of the breach and minimize its repercussions.
Stanley Shanapinda, the CEO of Telecom Namibia, has reassured the public that the company is actively addressing the cyberattack in a responsible manner. Shanapinda emphasized the company’s recent initiatives to enhance its cybersecurity systems in a confidential statement. He also mentioned that Telecom Namibia would soon release a detailed report on the cyberattack to provide transparency to its customers.
Following the cyberattack, which was reportedly carried out by the ransomware group known as Hunters International, a significant amount of data amounting to 626.3GB, including 492,633 files, was extracted. The perpetrators of the attack demanded a ransom and threatened to disclose the stolen information if their demands were not met. Subsequently, sensitive customer records containing personal identification details, addresses, and banking information were leaked and began circulating on social media platforms, raising concerns about the potential misuse of this information for fraudulent activities.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has expressed deep concerns about the cyberattack on Telecom Namibia. Cran’s CEO, Emilia Nghikembua, highlighted the critical nature of cybersecurity in the country and emphasized the role of the Namibia Cyber Security Incident Response Team (NAM-CSIRT) in promptly responding to the attack and supporting the affected operator in mitigating its impact.
Nghikembua acknowledged the absence of a dedicated cybercrime and data protection law in Namibia but assured that the government is committed to adhering to international cybersecurity best practices. She urged stakeholders to implement globally recognized security measures such as encryption and regular security assessments to bolster the resilience of the country’s critical infrastructure. The protection of national critical infrastructure, she emphasized, necessitates collective efforts, strategic planning, and compliance with global standards.
The incident involving Telecom Namibia underscores the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer data and prevent potential cyber threats. The exposure of sensitive customer information poses a risk of targeted phishing attacks, where cybercriminals could exploit individuals using the stolen data. The Cyber Express will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates on any new developments or statements from the company regarding the cyberattack.
As the investigation into the cyberattack on Telecom Namibia continues, it is essential for all organizations to prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard their data and prevent cyber incidents. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story as cybersecurity experts work to address the breach and strengthen defenses against future threats.