The recent buzz on Twitter and a hacker web forum suggests that data of 375 million Airtel users is up for sale. However, Airtel has come out strongly denying any breach in their systems. They claim that the hacker, who goes by the name xenZen, is simply trying to deceive people and damage Airtel’s reputation.

Airtel’s spokesperson told India Today Tech, “There has been an ongoing report alleging that Airtel customer data has been compromised. This is nothing short of a desperate attempt to tarnish Airtel’s reputation by vested interests. We have done a thorough investigation and can confirm that there has been no breach whatsoever from Airtel systems.”

The controversy started when a Twitter account named FalconFeeds.ai shared a screenshot of a forum post on BeachForums where xenZen claimed to have data of 375 million Airtel users for sale. The data allegedly includes mobile numbers, names, dates of birth, father’s names, addresses, email IDs, gender, nationality, Aadhar numbers, photo ID proof details, and address proof details.

Security researchers, such as Nicolas Krassas and Srinivas Kodali, seem to believe that the data breach is real. Nicolas Krassas, who allegedly works on countering cyber security threats, retweeted the information about the breach. Srinivas Kodali stated on Twitter that Airtel had been hacked by a threat actor based in China, who listed the data for sale on breach forums before being suspended.

Despite Airtel’s denial of a breach, it is crucial to acknowledge that data breaches have occurred in Indian companies in the past. It is vital for all individuals, whether Airtel users or not, to practice good cyber-security habits. This includes regularly changing passwords, monitoring bank and credit card statements, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of phishing attempts.

In today’s digital age, where data breaches are increasingly common, it is imperative for individuals to protect their personal information from falling into the wrong hands. By following cyber-security best practices, individuals can minimize the risk of falling victim to hackers and cyber criminals.

As the controversy surrounding the alleged Airtel data breach continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder for all individuals to be proactive in safeguarding their online security. With the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, staying vigilant and informed is essential in protecting oneself from potential data breaches and cyber attacks.

Published By: Ankita Chakravarti
Published On: Jul 5, 2024

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