MTN  Confirms Cybersecurity Breach, Assures Customers of Platform Integrity

In a concerning development for millions of mobile users across Africa, MTN Group, the continent’s largest mobile network operator, has confirmed a cybersecurity breach that exposed personal data of customers in select markets. The company, however, reassured its 280 million-strong customer base that core systems remain uncompromised and that there is no evidence of financial or service disruptions.

The breach, which was disclosed on Thursday in a public statement posted to MTN’s official website, involved unauthorized access by a third-party actor. While the extent of the data exposure is still being investigated, MTN emphasized that its core infrastructure — including network services, billing systems, and financial platforms — remains secure and fully operational.

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Personal Data Breached, But Financial Systems Safe

“There is no evidence of compromise to any of our critical infrastructure, core MTN platforms, or services,” the Johannesburg-based telecom giant stated. “Our core network, billing systems, and financial services infrastructure remain secure and fully operational.”

The incident has sparked concern across MTN’s 19 operational markets, with the company moving quickly to alert both customers and authorities. Law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service and the Hawks, a specialized crime investigation unit, have been engaged. MTN said it is also working closely with regulatory authorities in affected countries to manage the incident and ensure transparent reporting.

Customer Notification and Regulatory Compliance Underway

MTN is actively identifying and contacting impacted customers, in compliance with local legal and regulatory frameworks. The company confirmed that it is taking this breach seriously and is pursuing all avenues to contain the threat, mitigate risks, and prevent future occurrences.

“We have informed the relevant country authorities and will continue to update them on an ongoing basis while working closely with them and law enforcement agencies to support their investigations,” MTN explained.

Although the breach did not directly affect customer accounts or digital wallets, the exposure of personal data remains a serious issue. MTN has not yet disclosed the specific type of data that may have been accessed or how many customers were affected, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Cybersecurity Recommendations for Customers

In response to the breach, MTN issued a set of security guidelines urging customers to be extra vigilant and to take proactive steps to protect their digital identity. The telecom company advised customers to:

• Place fraud alerts on their credit reports.
• Regularly update applications and software.
• Use strong, unique passwords across accounts.
• Be cautious with unsolicited messages, especially those containing suspicious links or attachments.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information — such as passwords, PINs, or one-time passwords (OTPs) — via phone, SMS, or email.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available for an added layer of protection.

These precautionary measures are intended to limit any potential fallout from the breach and to educate customers on safe digital practices amid rising cyber threats globally.

MTN’s Broader Cybersecurity Framework

MTN Group, which operates in major markets like Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, and Cameroon, has long been a dominant player in Africa’s digital space. Its widespread presence and customer base also make it a prime target for cybercriminals.

The breach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity infrastructure, especially for telecom companies that handle massive volumes of personal and financial data daily. In recent years, MTN has invested heavily in digital security and has built systems to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats.

Still, this incident highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and the increasing need for real-time threat monitoring, cross-border information sharing, and public-private sector collaboration to ensure digital safety.

A Wake-Up Call for Africa’s Telecom Sector

This cybersecurity breach serves as a reminder that data protection and digital safety must remain top priorities for all organizations — particularly in regions experiencing rapid digital transformation.

While MTN has thus far managed the situation with transparency and timely communication, industry watchers are now calling for more stringent cybersecurity protocols, not just for telecom operators but across the wider ICT ecosystem.

With more Africans embracing digital services, including mobile banking, e-commerce, and cloud platforms, the risks of cyber intrusion are greater than ever before.

As MTN continues to investigate the breach and engage affected parties, customers are advised to remain cautious and follow best practices for online security. The company has pledged to provide regular updates and to work diligently to ensure such incidents are not repeated.