MTN Group has confirmed that it experienced a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to personal data of customers in certain markets.
Despite the breach, the telecoms giant emphasized that its key systems—including network operations, billing infrastructure, and financial service platforms—were not compromised and remain fully functional. The company also clarified that MTN Nigeria was not impacted by the incident.
In a statement issued on Thursday, MTN stated there is “no evidence of compromise to any of our critical infrastructure, core platforms, or services.”
An unknown party has claimed responsibility for the breach, alleging access to portions of MTN’s systems. However, the Group noted that “at this stage, there is no indication that customer accounts or digital wallets have been directly affected.”
Following the detection of the breach, MTN activated its internal cybersecurity protocols and informed law enforcement, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), who are now investigating the incident.
In line with local data protection laws, the company has begun notifying impacted customers in the affected regions. Regulatory authorities in those countries have also been alerted, and MTN says it is working closely with investigators and regulators, providing regular updates.
To help protect users, MTN encouraged customers to follow good digital security habits—such as updating apps and devices, using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying alert to suspicious messages or phishing attempts.
“Our customers’ privacy is paramount, and we are fully committed to maintaining the integrity of our systems and the trust placed in us,” the statement read.
Investigations are ongoing as the company continues efforts to contain the situation and bolster its cybersecurity defenses.
Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria—the Group’s largest and most profitable arm—remains unaffected. A company source confirmed that the breach did not impact operations in Nigeria, assuring subscribers that services in the region remain secure and uninterrupted.
“MTN Nigeria is not involved in this incident,” the source said, offering reassurance to Nigerian users and stakeholders.