A ransomware attack at a debt collector was a data breach, although there was no evidence at the time that the attack resulted in personal details being stolen.
This means that the personal details of a number of African Bank customers, who are under debt review, have been compromised.
African Bank said on Tuesday it could confirm that one of its appointed professional debt recovery partners, Debt-IN, was targeted by sophisticated cyber criminals in April 2021.
Debt-IN is now aware that the personal data of certain customers was compromised, but is “confident” that no data shared after 1 April 2021 was compromised.
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According to African Bank, Debt-IN has implemented a “robust” mitigation plan to contain and reduce any further adverse impact.
“We have been collaborating with Debt-IN to address this breach,” says Piet Swanepoel, chief risk officer of African Bank.
He said the relevant regulatory authorities were notified and customers who were affected were being alerted by email and SMS. As an additional precautionary step, African Bank’s fraud prevention team has enhanced security measures to protect all African Bank customers.
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Swanepoel reminds all South Africans to remain vigilant against possible fraud by:
It is important to review your monthly statements closely to check if money has left your account and who received it.
“If you detect any suspicious activity, or feel that your information has been compromised, you can apply for a free Protective Registration listing with the Southern African Fraud Prevention Services [SAFPS],” says Swanepoel.
“This will alert banks and credit providers that an identity has been compromised. You can apply by emailing protection@safps.org.za.”
Swanepoel also urged African Bank customers to call 0861-111-011 if they suspected any fraudulent activity on their accounts.
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