Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has rejected claims of a significant data breach that allegedly granted unauthorized access to its customer records, describing the reports as unfounded and inaccurate.
The controversy began with assertions from an anonymous entity purporting to sell a customer database linked to Econet Wireless Zimbabwe (EWZ), raising alarm among subscribers and the nation’s largest mobile network operator. This entity claimed to possess 852,791 customer records, including full names, emails, addresses, mobile numbers, and more.
EWZ stated it was aware of the misleading social media post that surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) on February 4, 2025. The post alleged that the anonymous entity was marketing a portion of Econet’s subscriber list and sensitive customer information.
“Our internal investigations, initiated immediately upon the emergence of these allegations, have found no evidence of a breach that would allow unauthorized access to sensitive customer data beyond what is publicly available or accessible through third parties,” EWZ said in a statement.
The company emphasized its commitment to security, noting that upon the initial reports, it activated its incident management protocols, collaborating with international cybersecurity experts to monitor its systems around the clock. “We take any claims of breaches very seriously and have informed our regulators and relevant authorities,” the statement continued.
Econet affirmed that it would continue to closely observe the situation, monitoring reports from cybersecurity professionals, regulatory bodies, and subscribers regarding any suspicious activity linked to the alleged data leak.
The hacking of a mobile network can pose serious risks to individuals, businesses, and the operator itself. Such incidents can disrupt business operations, supply chains, and critical infrastructure, resulting in significant economic losses and potential long-term repercussions.
Risks include identity theft, where personal information such as names and addresses may be exploited for fraudulent activities. Additionally, hackers might access sensitive financial data, leading to unauthorized transactions and financial losses.
This type of fraudulent activity can disrupt mobile services, affecting voice, data, and SMS capabilities, which may cause inconvenience and potential financial repercussions for subscribers and businesses alike.
In the meantime, users are advised to be vigilant when receiving unsolicited messages and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
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