Customer data of more than 46 million mobile subscribers from about 12 Malaysian mobile operators have been leaked on the web due to a huge data breach in Malaysia. The information which has been leaked online includes unique phone serial numbers, mobile numbers and even home addresses. The vital information has been stolen from various Malaysian public sectors as well as commercial websites.
The case is currently being investigated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, also known as the MCMC. A Malaysian technology news website was the first to identify the data breach. It was found that an individual was trying to sell huge privet customer information from 12 Malaysian mobile operators. Some of the operators include Celcom, Altel, Maxis, DiGi, PLDT, RedTone, Enabling Asia, Merchant Trade Asia, Umobile, XOX, TuneTalk and others.
Even Jobstreet.com was found to be a victim from where a huge amount of personal data has been stolen. Other sites from where the information has been stolen include Malaysian Dental Association, Malaysian Medical Council, Malaysian Medical Association, National Specialist Register of Malaysia, Academy of Medicine Malaysia and Malaysian Housing Loan Applications.
The incident was first reported to the communications watchdog of Malaysia on October 18, 2017. The data breach news was confirmed by MCMC a day later in an official statement which was released on Facebook. Malaysia has a population of about 32 million and that the entire country might have been affected by the breach. This also includes the foreigners who use temporary pre-paid mobile numbers. The Malaysian law says that the telecom operators are expected to keep the customer’s private information as very confidential. The Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Mazlan Ismail said that he met with the country’s telecommunication companies to know how the breach occurred. Ismail added that the service providers need to work together in the security aspects and make stronger safety features.
Photo Credits: zawya
