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In an alarming revelation of cybersecurity vulnerability, South African mobile operator Cell C has become the latest target of the hacking group RansomHouse. In early November 2024, RansomHouse successfully exfiltrated approximately 2 terabytes of data from Cell C's systems, putting an immense amount of sensitive information at risk, including customer call records, financial data, and identity documents of a former executive.
The breach was first acknowledged by Cell C on January 8, following the discovery of compromised data on a dark web site operated by RansomHouse. This isn't the first time RansomHouse has made headlines; in 2022, they were responsible for a similar incident involving Shoprite, another major South African company.
RansomHouse is known for its method of operation which involves stealing sensitive data and then using it as leverage for extortion. They typically post a selection of the stolen files online to substantiate their claims and hasten their demands. This tactic also exposes the stolen data to potential misuse by other malicious parties, escalating the threat level.
Cell C's response has been focused on mitigating the damage and preventing further breaches. They have notified relevant authorities and engaged with cybersecurity experts to enhance their defensive measures. The company prioritizes the protection of their systems' integrity and the confidentiality of customer data. Additionally, they are conducting an extensive investigation to uncover more details about the breach and to ascertain the exact nature and scope of the data accessed.
This incident underscores the prevalent issue of cybercrime not only in South Africa but globally. Businesses, particularly those holding large volumes of sensitive data, are increasingly susceptible to cyber-attacks. Cell C itself has acknowledged the growing threat of cybercrime and has been actively investing in strengthening its cybersecurity posture.
Furthermore, the company has taken steps to inform and assist potentially affected customers, emphasizing the need for individuals to remain vigilant and be proactive about securing their personal information. Cell C has provided resources on its website to help customers understand and mitigate cybersecurity risks.
According to cybersecurity firm SentinelOne, RansomHouse usually targets high-value entities through phishing and spear-phishing tactics. Unlike other groups, they focus solely on data exfiltration without deploying ransomware tactics like data encryption, which allows their operations to remain under the radar for longer periods.
The breach at Cell C not only highlights the sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals but also serves as a stark reminder of the continuous need for advances in cybersecurity. It presents a call to action for all stakeholders to fortify their defenses and remain vigilant against such threats.