Hackers Accessed 850,000 Orange Belgium Customer Accounts

Orange SA's Belgian business has revealed that hackers have gained access to data from 850,000 customer accounts, marking the third major cyberattack targeting the French telecommunications firm this year.

The company detected a compromise in one of its IT systems at the end of July, exposing sensitive information including customer names, phone numbers, SIM card details, and tariff information. However, it's worth noting that email addresses, passwords, or bank details were not accessed by the hackers.

This latest incident comes on the heels of two previous cyberattacks disclosed by Orange this year. In July, disruptions to some of its services in France occurred after a cyberattack on one of its information systems. Earlier this year, employee data from its Romanian business was targeted in a separate attack.

Orange took swift action upon detecting the compromised IT system, blocking access to it and alerting Belgian authorities immediately. The company warned customers to be vigilant for possible phishing attacks, where criminals try to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information by impersonating a legitimate entity.

Telcom companies like Orange are attractive targets for hackers due to their storage of valuable financial information on customers as well as critical information and communication from governments and businesses. The Salt Typhoon attack, spearheaded by a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, has been making headlines in the industry, enabling years-long access to telecom and internet networks in the US.

Similar attacks have also impacted networks in South Africa and South Korea. Affected customers in Belgium can expect to be notified soon via email or text message from Orange.

The incident highlights the ongoing threat of cyberattacks on telecommunication companies, underscoring the importance of robust security measures and vigilance among customers. As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, it's essential for companies like Orange to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect their customers' sensitive information.