In a significant security incident impacting millions, Bouygues Telecom, France’s third-largest telecommunications company, has officially announced that it was the target of a cyberattack resulting in a major data breach. The company disclosed that the personal information of 6.4 million customer accounts was accessed by unauthorized intruders.
The breach, which was detected on August 4, affects a substantial portion of the company’s 26.9 million mobile customers. According to a dedicated page on the company’s website, the stolen data includes sensitive details such as:
- Contact Information and Contractual Data: Names, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Civil Status: Personal details or company information for business subscribers.
- International Bank Account Numbers (IBANs): A critical piece of banking information.
This incident has been reported to France’s data protection authority, CNIL. However, the company has not yet provided a detailed timeline for when the breach was fully contained.
Adding to the controversy, the dedicated web page for victims of the breach was found to have a hidden “noindex” tag in its source code. This tag instructs search engines like Google to not display the page in search results, making it difficult for concerned customers to find crucial information. Bouygues Telecom has not yet commented on why the page was hidden.
A Trend of Telecom Attacks in France?
This news follows closely on the heels of another cyberattack targeting France’s largest phone carrier, Orange. On July 29, Orange alerted its customers to potential service disruptions as it worked to “isolate potentially affected services.” The back-to-back incidents at two of France’s top telecom providers raise questions about the security vulnerabilities facing the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
What This Means for Customers
If you are a Bouygues Telecom customer, it is crucial to remain vigilant. The theft of IBANs and personal data makes customers potential targets for phishing scams and financial fraud. Experts advise the following steps:
- Monitor your bank accounts: Closely review your bank statements for any unusual or unauthorized activity.
- Be wary of suspicious communications: Be extra cautious about emails, text messages, or phone calls claiming to be from Bouygues Telecom or your bank. Do not click on links or provide any personal information unless you have independently verified the source.
- Consider a credit freeze: To prevent identity theft, you may want to look into placing a freeze on your credit reports.
The full extent of the Bouygues Telecom cyberattack is still under investigation. As more details emerge, affected customers should stay informed and take proactive measures to protect their personal and financial information.