An African gaming platform was used by black hats to steal money from Airtel Mobile Commerce Uganda Limited (AMCUL).
This website boasts that it uses standard encryption to protect customer data, but it has been reliably reported that fraudsters used it to access AMCUL’s digital infrastructure.
After modifying AMCUL’s software to authorize every transaction that came their way, the hackers emptied its central systems of a little under Sh8 billion in a well-organized operation.
The hack hit several banks and microfinance deposit-taking institutions in Uganda.
One of the microfinance institutions that took deposits filed an official complaint with the Cyber and Counter Electronic Measure Desk at the Criminal Investigations Directorate’s headquarters (CID) headquarters in Kibuli, Kampala.
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From what we know so far, the hackers found a clever way around AMCUL’s systems by using the betting company, whose name we won’t give. Gamblers who use the gaming platform to load virtual bet slips can only place bets after adding mobile money from Airtel or MTN to their accounts.
CID detectives told a reporter that black hats infiltrated AMCUL’s systems vOur platform is safe and was built to meet world-class standards so that Airtel Money clients can use it quickly, safely, and securely.840 SIM cards were registered and ready. Also, hackers utilized 1,800 SIM cards before stopping.
Airtel Uganda says the problem didn’t affect Airtel Money or bank accounts.
Our platform is secure and developed to meet world-class requirements to deliver Airtel Money clients a quick, safe, and secure experience. We couldn’t reach the betting firm’s senior leadership. When we contacted what we thought was the firm’s CEO, he said he left last month. We couldn’t tell from his short reply whether he departed following the audacious attack on AMCUL’s computer infrastructure that took place on October 28.
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The betting industry will be probed. Authorities are investigating the $3.7 billion breach. AIGP Tom Magambo, CID director, wouldn’t say whether this is a lead. He called to say the hacking inquiry was heating up.
“We take every reported occurrence seriously, including questionable investigations,” he stated. We’ll conclude the probe, we promise.
AIGP Magambo said CID investigators would share any strong leads with the DPP. AIGP Magambo will not comment on CID arrests.
“No arrests have been made,” he said.