Spanish telecommunications firm Telefonica has initiated an investigation into a possible cyberattack. This follows the online leak of sensitive data linked to approximately one million former Peruvian customers. A notorious hacker group, Dedale, is behind the breach, claiming to possess data on about 22 million customers.
Telefonica commented, “We are investigating an alleged security breach. The sample released by the actor, which comprises 1 million records, seems to correspond to customers in Peru.”
This development occurs not long after Telefonica finalized its departure from the Peruvian market, having sold its local branch to Integra Tec International for €900,000 ($1.03 million). Despite the sale, the leaked data appears to originate from past operations. Telefonica is actively verifying the data’s authenticity.
The incident isn’t isolated but part of a troubling trend affecting telecom companies worldwide. In October 2024, major U.S. carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen, suffered breaches from a Chinese group called Salt Typhoon. This group aimed at federal requests for lawful intercepts but also accessed general internet traffic. Recently, South Korea’s SK Telecom faced a breach impacting 23 million customers. Compromised data included mobile numbers and authentication keys, triggering concerns over unauthorized surveillance and SIM-swapping attacks. SK Telecom responded with public apologies and increased fraud monitoring.
Such incidents highlight telecom operators’ growing vulnerability as digital advancements progress. The sector’s critical role in handling personal and national security data makes it an attractive target for cybercriminals and state-backed entities.
In light of these breaches, industry leaders emphasize the need for robust security measures. In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission’s response to the Salt Typhoon breach was firm. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel noted the importance of securing communications infrastructure. “The cybersecurity of our nation’s communications infrastructure is essential to promoting national security, public safety, and economic security.”