Hackers claim to have stolen data belonging to the Tanzanian government — including names, email addresses, telephone numbers and passwords. Photo: Daniel Hayduk
Hackers have leaked data allegedly belonging to government-owned Tanzania Telecommunications Company Ltd. (TTCL) — including names, email addresses, telephone numbers and passwords.
TTCL public relations manager Nicodemus Mushi denied the attack.
“Our systems are secure… We have the best minds in the country and they are a step ahead of the local and international hackers,” says Mushi, speaking to the Citizen.
Digital security expert and founder of Jamii Forums Maxence Melo says mitigation of hacking attempts is challenging when you brag about your infrastructure being infallible.
“I am worried…they believe they have the best infrastructure. I doubt it if our government is aware of the possible attacks its infrastructure can face and how seriously it can affect their clients,” says Melo.
Hacktivist group Anonymous claimed responsibility for stealing the data as part of their ongoing #OpAfrica hacking spree to bring down corrupt governments.
Anonymous also recently hacked the Ugandan Finance ministry, a South African ministry and a private company providing IT services for the Rwandan government, however the attacks have been criticized for largely compromising the information of innocent people.
