Personal data from 6.2 million accounts has been leaked following a cyberattack on the telecom provider Odido. The breach includes customer names, residential addresses, and bank account numbers. However, the company has confirmed that passwords, billing details, and call logs remain secure. Odido is currently investigating the full scale of the incident and has notified the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP).
The provider stressed that its core services remain unaffected. Customers can continue to make calls, use the internet, and watch television as normal. Odido expressed deep regret over the situation and stated that it is working to limit the impact while offering support to those affected.
Cybersecurity experts have been brought in to implement additional security measures, and the attackers no longer have access to the network. The breach also affected customers of Ben, a brand owned by Odido alongside the provider Simpel.
Staying alert to suspicious activity
Odido has warned customers to remain vigilant against suspicious activity. While stolen data is not always misused, the company cannot rule out the possibility of fraud. Information such as phone numbers, email addresses, customer numbers, and dates of birth may have been exposed. Additionally, some passport and driving licence details may have been involved, though scans of identity documents and location data were not compromised.
The company advises customers to carefully check messages from unknown senders. Suspicious emails, texts, or apps can often be identified by spelling mistakes or unfamiliar addresses. Customers should pay close attention to the sender’s phone number or the domain name after the @ symbol in an email address.
If an unknown caller claims to be from a bank or another reputable company, Odido suggests using control questions to verify their identity. This might include asking for the caller’s full name or checking the company’s official general phone number to confirm the call is legitimate.
Checklist for Data Breaches
1. Monitor Your Accounts: Check your bank and credit card statements daily. Look for any unfamiliar transactions, no matter how small.Â
2. Alert Your Bank: If you see suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately. They can freeze your account and cancel compromised cards.
3. Change Passwords: Update the passwords for all your financial and sensitive accounts. Use strong, unique combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols.
4. Set Up Fraud Alerts: Activate SMS or email notifications for every transaction. You might also consider using a credit monitoring service.
5. Report the Incident: File a report with the police if you detect actual fraud. You should also notify the relevant data protection authority.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
