Despite claims of a data breach affecting 375 million users, Airtel firmly denies any compromise in its systems, attributing the rumors to malicious intent.
In Short:
- Claims of Data Breach: Allegations surfaced about a hacker selling data of 375 million Airtel users.
- Airtel's Response: Airtel denies any breach, stating it's a smear attempt.
- Leaked Data: Alleged data includes mobile numbers, names, addresses, email IDs, Aadhaar numbers, and more.
- Security Community's Reaction: Mixed responses from security researchers; some believe the breach is plausible.
- Importance of Cyber Security: Emphasis on following best practices to safeguard personal data.
A popular hacker forum are abuzz with claims that data from 375 million Airtel users is being sold. The controversy began when FalconFeeds.ai shared screenshots from BeachForums, where a hacker named xenZen claimed to have extensive personal information of Airtel customers, including their mobile numbers, names, birth dates, addresses, and Aadhaar numbers.
Airtel swiftly responded with a tweet, denying any breach and dismissing the claims as attempts to tarnish their reputation. The company assured users that a thorough investigation found no evidence of a security breach.
— airtel India (@airtelindia) July 5, 2024
Despite this, the cybersecurity community remains divided. Some experts find the claims credible, with notable figures like Nicolas Krassas retweeting the information, while others remain skeptical. Cybersecurity analyst Srinivas Kodali suggested that a China-based hacker was responsible and had listed the data for sale before being suspended from the forum.
This incident, regardless of its validity, highlights the persistent threat of data breaches. It underscores the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures and practices, such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and staying vigilant against phishing scams.