Staff Reporter
TELECOM Namibia’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Stanley Shanapinda, has advised customers to update the passwords for their Wi-Fi, email, laptops, phones, and other personal devices following a recent cybercrime attack by Hunters International, which compromised client data.
In addition to updating passwords, Shanapinda urged customers to avoid making monetary payments to anyone claiming to possess their personal information. Instead, he advised them to report suspicious or fraudulent activities to Telecom Namibia’s toll-free Jiva Tip-Off Hotline at 0800 301 630, via email at [email protected], or through the website: www.tip-offs.com.
Shanapinda issued these recommendations after the company discovered that some customer data had been leaked on the dark web.
“Our investigation team, along with cybersecurity experts, is diligently analysing the data and keeping all stakeholders updated. The data leakage incident was a cybercrime attack by Hunters International. Initially, it appeared that no sensitive information was compromised, but recent analyses confirmed that some customer data was compromised. The threat was contained about 3 weeks ago and further attacks on our systems and third parties were prevented, however the information that was accessed 3 weeks ago was leaked on the dark web on 13 December 2024 after we refused to negotiate to pay any ransom that may have been demanded,” Shanapinda explained.
The CEO revealed that Telecom Namibia is working with relevant law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts to minimise any further exposure and risk to its customers while seeking to bring the criminals to justice.
“We caution that anyone that uses and/or circulates any personal information that has been leaked will be committing a criminal offence. Therefore, we urgently ask members of the public to refrain from circulating and/or exploiting and misusing the information for fraud, scams, and other criminal activities,” Shanapinda added.