France's Third-Biggest Mobile Network Hacked: Bouygues Telecom Cyberattack Exposes 6.4M Bank Accounts and Personal Data
A major data breach has sent shockwaves through France's telecom sector after Bouygues Telecom, the country's third-largest mobile operator, confirmed that hackers accessed the financial information of millions of its users, as well as the personal data and bank account details of its customers. The company has publicly acknowledged that 6.4 million customers were affected by a serious cyberattack that compromised their personal and banking information.
Bouygues Telecom has released a statement on its official website confirming that unauthorised access was granted to customer records, including International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs), contact details, contract information, and, for business clients, corporate data. The company first became aware of the attack on 4 August, but has yet to confirm when the breach was contained or how long hackers may have had access.
Bouygues Telecom is one of France's largest mobile operators, with approximately 26.9 million mobile subscribers. The company has notified France's data protection agency, the CNIL, about the cyberattack. A dedicated information page for impacted customers has been set up to provide more details on what was exposed.
Millions at Risk: What Data Was Compromised?
Bouygues has laid out what was exposed in a detailed breakdown of the data breach. The company has confirmed that hackers gained access to:
- International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs)
- Contact details
- Contract information
- Corporate data for business clients
The company urges customers to remain vigilant against potential fraud attempts. Hackers may use stolen banking details, such as IBANs, to impersonate financial institutions or extract further information. Bouygues strongly advises customers to hang up immediately and call their bank directly via official numbers if they suspect suspicious communication.
Company Response: Security Measures and Apologies
Bouygues has claimed it acted swiftly to contain the breach and prevent further unauthorised access. The company states that it has now implemented enhanced system monitoring and strengthened its cybersecurity protocols.
In a public statement, the provider wrote: 'Cyberattacks are very common and affect no company, despite all existing security tools and procedures.' The firm also noted that its technical teams acted quickly to contain the breach and inform affected users, adding: 'The protection of our customers' data remains a priority at Bouygues Telecom.'
Bouygues reminded the public that criminal offences of this nature are punishable under French law by up to five years in prison and fines of up to €150,000 (£129,987).
A Warning to Customers: Stay Alert
Bouygues has urged users to remain vigilant against potential fraud attempts. Hackers may use stolen banking details, such as IBANs, to impersonate financial institutions or extract further information.
The telecom firm strongly advises customers to hang up immediately and call their bank directly via official numbers if they suspect suspicious communication.
Another Blow to France's Digital Security: Orange Also Breached
This isn't an isolated incident. Just days before Bouygues' breach was confirmed, Orange, France's largest telecom operator, warned of its cybersecurity breach.
On 29 July, Orange informed its global customer base—over 290 million users—that disruptions were expected as its technical teams worked to isolate affected systems. The twin breaches underscore a growing vulnerability in France's digital infrastructure.
While it remains unclear whether the attacks are related, the twin breaches highlight the need for greater awareness and vigilance among French citizens when it comes to cybersecurity. Digital freedom – we experience it every day without really thinking too much about it. Yet behind our carefree habits lies a crucial question: It’s not whether you’ll be a victim of a #cyberattack, but when. And especially who will be at your side to help deal with it.