MTN Group has officially confirmed a cybersecurity breach that gave hackers unauthorized access to customer data in some of the countries where it operates.
In a statement released April 24, the telecoms giant admitted that an unknown third party had gained limited access to its systems. However, MTN says there’s no sign that core systems — including mobile money platforms and user accounts — were compromised.
MTN Group Confirms Cyber Attack
“We do not have any information to suggest that customers’ accounts and wallets have been directly compromised,” the company said.
The breach is currently under investigation, with law enforcement bodies — including South Africa’s elite Hawks unit — already involved. MTN also said it’s working closely with cybersecurity experts and regulators in the affected markets.
What data was actually accessed hasn’t been disclosed yet. MTN’s statement was careful but clear: their billing platforms, financial infrastructure, and core network are still running without disruption.
Still, the incident raises big questions about digital trust, especially across a continent where mobile data and fintech services like MTN MoMo are tightly integrated into daily life.
To limit potential fallout, MTN has started alerting impacted customers, in line with each country’s legal requirements. The telco also dropped some standard-but-critical advice: update your passwords, don’t click shady links, and don’t share OTPs, PINs, or passwords with anyone — even if the message “looks official.”
“We encourage customers to stay vigilant,” MTN said,
Pushing for multi-factor authentication and digital hygiene as basics, not options.
MTN says it’s prioritizing transparency and customer trust as it continues managing the situation. But for users across Africa who rely on MTN for connectivity, mobile money, and more — this is a wake-up call.
The hack may have missed the vault, but it still rattled the walls.
CelebritiesBuzzGh / MTN Group confirms hack; assures customers core systems remain secure
