Telecom Namibia has confirmed a ransomware attack by the cybercriminal group “Hunters International,” which resulted in the exposure of sensitive personal and financial data, including information related to high-ranking government officials. The attack led to the theft of nearly 500,000 records, some of which were later shared on social media.
The hackers demanded a ransom, but Telecom Namibia refused to comply, citing concerns over confidentiality. CEO Stanley Shanapinda emphasized that paying the ransom would not guarantee the safety of the company’s data. The company has since initiated an investigation and is working alongside security agencies to mitigate any further risks.
Outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba condemned the breach, stressing its potential national security implications. In response, Telecom Namibia has urged its customers to update their passwords and monitor financial transactions. The company also cautioned against circulating the leaked data, warning that doing so could lead to legal consequences.
This attack highlights the growing threat of ransomware and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data from similar breaches.
Picture by Wayan Vota on Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
