MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecom operator, has confirmed a cybersecurity breach involving unauthorized access to customer data in certain countries where it operates. In a statement released on April 24, 2025, the company assured the public that its core systems, including billing and financial services such as Mobile Money (MoMo), remain secure and unaffected.
According to MTN, the breach was the result of an intrusion by an unidentified third party who claims to have accessed parts of the company’s systems. The group emphasized that there is currently no evidence to suggest that customers’ mobile money wallets or user accounts have been compromised.
“An unknown third party has claimed to have accessed data linked to parts of our systems,” the statement said. “At this stage, we do not have any information to suggest that customers’ accounts and wallets have been directly compromised.”
Despite the sensitive nature of the breach, MTN moved swiftly by activating its internal cybersecurity protocols and notifying law enforcement authorities, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation). Relevant authorities in affected countries have also been alerted.
MTN has begun the process of notifying impacted customers in compliance with local data protection laws and has offered guidance on best practices for digital security.
- The telecom giant urged all users to remain vigilant by:
- Using strong, unique passwords
- Enabling multifactor authentication
- Avoiding suspicious links or messages
- Never disclosing passwords, PINs, or OTPs via phone or email
Customers were also advised to place fraud alerts on their credit reports as a precautionary measure.
The company reassured stakeholders that its critical infrastructure remains intact. “Our core network, billing systems, and financial services platforms continue to function securely and efficiently,” the group stated.
MTN reiterated its commitment to transparency, customer privacy, and the integrity of its systems.
“We will continue to manage this matter with utmost seriousness,” the statement concluded. “MTN remains committed to safeguarding customer data and maintaining the trust placed in us.”
