The Telecom Namibia cyberattack is more than a localized issue; it is a symptom of the broader challenges faced by nations undergoing rapid digital transformation without commensurate investment in cybersecurity. Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort involving government, businesses, and international partners to build a resilient and secure digital ecosystem.
Telecom Namibia has suffered a major cyberattack, leading to the leak of customer files, including sensitive personal data such as identification details, addresses, and banking information. The breach, discovered on December 13, 2024, by the telecommunications provider has sparked significant concerns about cybersecurity in Namibia.
The company addressed the incident in a release dated December 16, saying “On 13 December 2024, we discovered that some customers' data had been leaked on the dark web. Our investigation team and cybersecurity experts are diligently analyzing the data and keeping all stakeholders updated.”
The threat was contained three weeks ago, preventing further attacks on the operator's systems and third parties. However, the stolen data was leaked on the dark web on December 13, 2024, after the company refused to pay any ransom. The operator further revealed that it is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity experts to minimize risks to its customers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The breach was orchestrated by a ransomware group, Hunters International, a notorious cybercriminal organization. The attackers reportedly exfiltrated approximately 626.3GB of data, before threatening to release the stolen information unless their ransom demands were met. When the ransom deadline passed, portions of the sensitive data were leaked on social media, raising fears of further exploitation, such as phishing scams and identity theft.
In 2024, Namibia saw a sharp rise in cyberattacks, mirroring a growing trend across the broader African continent. According to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), in its Namibian Cybersecurity Landscape Report released in October 2024, over 1.18 million cyber incidents were recorded between January and September, including two ransomware attacks in April and May.
This incident underscores the risks to businesses and consumers, as leaked information can fuel phishing schemes and cybercrimes. It highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and accelerated cybercrime legislation in Namibia. The breach has renewed calls for coordinated efforts to safeguard national infrastructure.
Hikmatu Bilali
Editing by Sèna de Sodji
From Dakar to Nairobi, Kampala to Abidjan, mobile money has become a lifeline for millions of Africa...
Airtel Gabon, Moov sign deal to share telecom infrastructure Agreement aims to cut costs, boo...
• WAEMU posts 0.9% deflation in July, second month in a row• Food, hospitality prices drop; alcohol,...
Malawi votes in high-stakes presidential election Tuesday Economic crisis, inflation dominate vot...
Vision Invest invests $700m in Arise IIP, Africa’s largest private infrastructure deal in 202...
Trade deficit down to $758.9 mln in Q2 2025 from $867.3 mln a year earlier. Exports dropped 35.6%, while imports declined 20.5%...
Orion Minerals signs non-binding funding deal with Glencore for Prieska project. Financing of $200–250 mln planned in two stages, tied to 10-year...
Brice Morlot moves from CFO to head of operations, replacing Lin Espey. Thomas Young shifts from strategy to CFO as company targets 90,000 bpd by...
EBRD, EU, GCF, and Canada plan €65 mln ($77 mln) green loan for Crédit du Maroc. Funds to support clean energy, water treatment, and sustainable...
Surprisingly, only one African song made it onto Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The track is "Essence," a collaboration...
The Umhlanga Festival, also known as the “Reed Dance,” is one of the most iconic cultural events in the Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa. Every...