This week, I had the opportunity to speak with two local TV stations about the recent Cellcom outage, which was confirmed to be a cyber incident. I shared several key insights during these interviews that are important for consumers and businesses alike:
1. Protect Your Personal Information – While Cellcom has stated there is no evidence that users’ personal information was compromised, I strongly encourage everyone to freeze their credit with the three major credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Given the sheer number of past data breaches, it’s highly likely that personal identifying information (PII) has already been exposed. Taking proactive measures is essential.
2. Stay Vigilant Against Scams – Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to exploit consumers. Cellcom users—and everyone—should remain cautious. When receiving emails, verify sender addresses carefully, not just the display name. If you need to contact a company, always use the phone number from a previous bill or service agreement rather than one listed in a potentially fraudulent email.
3. Businesses Must Prioritize Cybersecurity – Regardless of industry, companies must invest in preventive cybersecurity measures before an incident occurs. In cybersecurity, this principle is known as left of boom vs. right of boom—meaning organizations should focus on prevention rather than responding after an attack. Cyber resilience starts with preparation.
4. Beware of SIM Card Swapping – Criminals can exploit SIM card swapping to take control of a customer’s phone number. Once successful, they can intercept calls and text messages, including security codes, leading to account takeovers. Consumers should be on high alert for unauthorized SIM transfers and take steps to secure their accounts.
5. An Industry-Wide Wake-Up Call – This cyberattack was not just a breach of Cellcom but an attack on the telecommunications sector as a whole. It underscores the need for continuous investment in cybersecurity and proactive measures to prevent future incidents.
Cyber threats are evolving, and we must all do our part to stay informed and prepared. Let’s work together to strengthen cybersecurity practices for individuals and businesses alike.
