In June 2024, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a cornerstone of India’s telecommunications infrastructure, experienced a significant data breach that compromised the personal information of millions of subscribers.
Timeline of Events
In June 2024, BSNL discovered a breach involving 278 GB of sensitive data.
This incident follows a similar breach in December 2023, indicating ongoing security challenges for telecom giant.
Threat Actor
A hacker known as “kiberphant0m” claimed responsibility for the breach. The hacker valued the stolen data at $5,000 ,offering it for sale on a dark web forum, posing risks to national security and individual users.
Details of the Breach
The breach involved 278 GB of data, including crucial elements of BSNL’s telecom infrastructure. The data stolen comprises:-
Call records
IMSI numbers
SIM card details
Home location register data and
Critical security keys, posing significant risks to telecom operations and user privacy.
Potential Risks and Impacts
National Security: The breach poses risks to
national security, particularly due to the inclusion of call records of government employees.
Individual Risks: For BSNL users, the breach increases the risk of SIM cloning, financial fraud, and identity theft
Comparative Analysis: This breach follows a similar incident in December 2023, reflecting persistent security issues within BSNL.
BSNL’s Response
BSNL is investigating the breach and has initiated measures to secure its systems, including auditing access logs and enhancing cybersecurity protocols.
Government Action
The Indian government has formed a telecom security panel to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the breach.
How to Stay Safe?
Change Passwords: Regularly update passwords.
Monitor Accounts: Watch for unusual activity.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use 2FA where possible.
Be Cautious with Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured channels.
Conclusion
The BSNL data breach underscores the vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure. Understanding the breach, its impacts, and proactive measures can help safeguard against such incidents. Stay informed and vigilant to protect your personal and organizational data.
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