**Hacker Pranks Exclusive: Telcos in the Crosshairs - Major Data Breach at Telus and More**

The world of telecommunications is no stranger to cyber threats, and recent events have highlighted the vulnerabilities of even the largest and most secure networks. In this article, we'll delve into the latest developments in the industry, including a major data breach at Telus, the success of Veon's digital service provider strategy, and more.

The GSMA's Open Telco AI initiative, launched during MWC26, has gained momentum with the addition of Seoul-based Selectstar as a partner for data and AI evaluation. This collaboration aims to accelerate the availability of suitable telco-grade AI through open collaboration across operators, vendors, AI developers, and academic institutions. Key participants include AT&T and AMD, with the GSMA's Louis Powell explaining the initiative's goals in a recent interview. Selectstar made waves at MWC26, unveiling its generative AI reliability evaluation platform, Datumo, which garnered attention from major telcos and AI companies.

However, not all news is positive. Telus, a Canadian operator, has suffered a major data breach, with a hacking group dubbed ShinyHunters claiming to have stolen 700 terabytes of data from its systems. According to Reuters, the breach includes information relating to over 20 enterprise customers, including user identities, call data, and recordings. Telus is currently investigating the severity of the incident and has assured customers that there is "no evidence of disruption to customer connectivity or service." This breach is particularly concerning, as ShinyHunters has also been linked to a recent data theft from Dutch telco Odido, which involved information relating to 6 million customers.

In contrast, Veon's digital service provider strategy appears to be paying off. The international telco has reported a 17.4% year-on-year increase in fourth-quarter revenues to $1.17 billion and a 29.1% increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to $527 million. Digital service revenues grew by 84.1% to $235 million, accounting for 20.1% of total group revenues. For the full year 2025, total group revenues grew by 9.9% to almost $4.4 billion, with digital service revenues growing by 62.5% to $759 million.

Veon's success can be attributed to its focus on digital services, with CEO Kaan Terzioglu stating, "2025 marked a pivotal inflection point for Veon as a digital operator. For the first time, digital service customers surpassed traditional connectivity subscribers." The company's strategy is evident in its operations, such as Jazz in Pakistan, which is acquiring an insurance company to add to its fintech portfolio.

In the US, the mobile services competition between major telcos and cable operators continues. AT&T has launched new plans with a focus on "value," aiming to attract customers who want simplicity and clarity in their mobile plans. The operator claims its offers don't bundle unnecessary features and focus on the core wireless features customers expect.

As the telecommunications industry navigates market megatrends, it's clear that cybersecurity and digital transformation will continue to be top priorities. With the increasing complexity of networks and the growing threat landscape, telcos must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their customers' data.

**Conclusion**

The recent events in the telecommunications industry serve as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and digital transformation. As telcos continue to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions, they must prioritize data protection and invest in innovative technologies to stay ahead of the curve. The success of Veon's digital service provider strategy and the growth of the GSMA's Open Telco AI initiative demonstrate the potential for telcos to innovate and thrive in the face of increasing competition and cyber threats.