Econet Wireless Denies Claims of Customer Data Breach

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has dismissed allegations of a major data breach that allegedly exposed customer records, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.

The allegations surfaced after an anonymous entity claimed to be selling a database containing 852,791 customer records purportedly linked to Econet. The supposed data set included full names, email addresses, physical addresses, mobile numbers, and social media account details. The claims raised concerns among subscribers and Zimbabwe’s largest mobile network provider.

Econet acknowledged awareness of the social media post, which first appeared on X (formerly Twitter) on February 4, 2025, but refuted the allegations, stating that internal investigations had found no evidence of a security breach.

The company assured the public that its security systems remain intact, and no unauthorized access to sensitive customer data had been detected.

“Our internal investigations, launched immediately after the claims were made, have found no breach in our systems that would expose sensitive customer data beyond what is already publicly accessible or shared through third parties,” Econet said in a statement.

Econet further emphasized its commitment to data security, stating that it had activated its incident management protocols and enlisted international cybersecurity experts to monitor its systems around the clock. The company also informed regulators and relevant authorities about the claims to ensure transparency.

“We take any allegations of security breaches very seriously. Since the initial report, we have been working closely with cybersecurity specialists, continuously monitoring our systems to enhance security and safeguard our customers’ private data,” Econet added.

The telecoms provider reassured customers that it would continue to track developments, work with cybersecurity experts, and stay in contact with regulatory authorities to address any concerns related to the alleged leak.

Although Econet denies any security breach, unauthorized access to a mobile network operator’s database could pose serious risks to individuals, businesses, and the provider itself. Cyberattacks can lead to:

• Identity Theft – Personal information such as names, addresses, and identification numbers could be exploited for fraudulent activities.
• Financial Fraud – Hackers gaining access to sensitive financial data could carry out unauthorized transactions, leading to monetary losses.
• Service Disruptions – Cybercriminals may interfere with mobile services, disrupting voice calls, SMS, and data services, causing inconvenience to customers and businesses.