MTN has denied that server glitches experienced on its Nigerian network on Saturday were a result of a suspected cyber attack.
Omasan Ogisi, MTN Nigeria’s general manager for corporate affairs, denied the suspected cyber attack as widely reported in the Nigerian media that the network was under siege from cyber criminals but acknowledged glitches with the server at the weekend.
Earlier today, ITWeb had also reported that MTN had fallen victim to a suspected cyber attack.
However, this afternoon Ogisi told ITWeb that: “This information is incorrect. On Saturday, 15 June, a system glitch led to the erroneous allocation of data to a few subscribers. This issue was rapidly detected and resolved, and the incorrectly allocated data reversed on all affected accounts.”
He added: “The system glitch that resulted in the erroneous allocation of data to a few subscribers was a highly localised technical issue, which was quickly detected, resolved and reversed.”
Responding to the president of National Association of Telecom Subscriber, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, who said the glitch could be considered as cyber crime, Ogisi said it’s not true.
Ogunbanjo had been quoted as saying: “It is unfortunate that it happened to MTN and I think it can be classified as cyber crime.”
Said Ogisi: “The integrity of MTN Nigeria’s network was not compromised in any way. MTN has a firm commitment to the privacy and security of its customers. In Nigeria, MTN operates one of Africa’s most advanced mobile networks, supported by world class security protocols and technologies.
"The business will continue to invest in the latest technologies consistent with a network of our size and scope.”
The past weekend Nigerian media was awash with reports that the operator had lost close to R28 million (N700 million) in just two hours, after the suspected attack.
The reports said the newly NSE-listed company had also notified the office the Nigerian Economic Financial Crimes Commission to investigate a suspected cyber crime offence.
Nigeria is the biggest but most challenging market for the South African company, with 60 million mobile phone subscribers. The valuation of R103 billion ($7.3 billion) makes it the second biggest company by revenue listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
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