MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications company, has officially confirmed a cybersecurity breach that exposed the personal data of some of its customers in certain markets. Despite the breach, the company has assured stakeholders that its critical infrastructure, including billing systems and financial platforms, remains secure, uncompromised, and fully functional.

In a statement released Thursday on its official website, MTN disclosed that an unknown third party had gained unauthorized access to portions of its systems. The breach, which is currently under active investigation, triggered a swift response from the telecom giant, including notifying regulatory bodies and reinforcing existing cybersecurity protocols.

Core Services Unaffected, Investigation Underway

“There is no evidence of compromise to any of our critical infrastructure, core MTN platforms, or services,” the company said in its statement. It further noted that “our core network, billing systems, and financial services infrastructure remain secure and fully operational.”

The attack highlights growing concerns about rising cyber threats across Africa, particularly targeting major telecom and financial service providers. As a company serving more than 280 million subscribers across 19 countries, MTN’s digital ecosystem represents a lucrative target for cybercriminals. This breach underscores the vulnerabilities faced by large-scale enterprises operating in an increasingly interconnected world.

Law Enforcement Agencies Engaged

To address the situation and ensure transparency, MTN has reported the breach to the South African Police Service and the Hawks, a specialized crime investigation unit. The company is also working in tandem with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies in other affected countries.

“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 noted.

Although the company has not yet released the exact number of customers affected or detailed the nature of the data accessed, it confirmed that it had already begun reaching out directly to impacted users in compliance with local data protection regulations.

MTN Advises Customers on Safety Measures

In addition to its internal investigation, MTN has issued a public advisory urging customers to remain vigilant and take steps to protect their personal information. The advisory includes key recommendations such as:

• Placing fraud alerts on credit reports

• Using strong and unique passwords for all digital accounts

• Frequently updating apps and device software

• Being cautious of unsolicited emails or text messages containing suspicious links

• Enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible

MTN also warned customers to never disclose sensitive information such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), or one-time passwords (OTPs) over phone calls, emails, or SMS.

Ongoing Commitment to Cybersecurity

This incident comes as cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and widespread across Africa’s digital landscape. According to cybersecurity experts, telecom operators remain particularly vulnerable due to the sheer volume of personal data they handle and the integral role they play in national infrastructure.

While MTN did not provide specifics on the origin or method of the breach, it reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures across its operations. The company has initiated additional internal reviews, increased monitoring of its digital systems, and is collaborating with global cybersecurity firms to prevent future intrusions.

Customer Trust and Regulatory Compliance

MTN’s decision to promptly disclose the breach and initiate mitigation strategies reflects growing global expectations for transparency and accountability in the digital space. Many countries where MTN operates have strict data protection laws, and failure to notify affected individuals could result in penalties or loss of consumer trust.

“We are deeply committed to maintaining the privacy and security of our customers’ data,” the company stated. “While the breach is unfortunate, our rapid response and ongoing cooperation with authorities demonstrate our proactive approach to protecting users.”

Regulators and data privacy advocates have welcomed MTN’s transparency, noting that timely reporting and responsible communication are key to reducing harm and restoring public confidence in affected organizations.

A Wake-Up Call for Africa’s Digital Ecosystem

The MTN data breach serves as a stark reminder of the growing cybersecurity challenges facing corporations in Africa. As mobile adoption, digital payments, and data consumption continue to rise, experts warn that cybercriminals will increasingly target companies with weak security protocols or outdated digital infrastructure.

For telecom firms like MTN, the stakes are even higher. A data breach not only risks customer trust but could also destabilize vital services, affect financial transactions, and attract regulatory scrutiny.

In response, MTN has pledged to reinforce its cybersecurity framework and invest in state-of-the-art defense technologies to better protect its customers and digital assets in the future.

As investigations continue, MTN has promised regular updates and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and user safety.