The migration to the internet is coming at a cost. Egypt-based ride hailing app SWVL has reported hack into its data infrastructure which has exposed the personal information of the startup’s passengers including emails, names and phone numbers.
“On the 3rd of July, SWVL became aware of the unauthorised access to our system. The investigation into the breach is still underway, but at this stage, it is clear the data which was compromised is restricted to names, email addresses, and the phone number,” read a notice by SWVL. “Rest assured that our investigation ensures that passwords and credit card information were not affected.’’
Here Is What You Need To Know
- The app on Monday evening notified customers of the security breach and the security measures it deployed after attackers gained access on its computer network.
- SWVL advised customers to change their passwords on the app and on any other site where they had used the same.
- Hackers use the information from data breaches to access other linked accounts on other sites with similar password combinations gaining credit or debit card information or use the accounts to fleece contacts of the account holder.
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- This is not the first ride hailing app to become a victim of a data breach. Back in 2016, Uber was hacked and information belonging to 57 million riders and drivers accessed including the names and driver’s license numbers.
- Yahoo experienced multiple data breaches between 2013 and 2016 where three billion accounts were affected. A security researcher found an unprotected server with a database containing 419 million phone numbers belonging to Facebook users.
- Zynga — creators of Words with friends and Draw something — were also breached last year with 218 million accounts
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.