Both Standard Bank and subsidiary Liberty been hit by data breaches that have compromised customer information.
A letter to Standard Bank customers from Kabelo Makeke, head of personal and private banking at Standard Bank, reads: “We are writing to let you know about a recent incident identified by Standard Bank South Africa involving unauthorised access to some of your personal information.”
The communication adds that the banking systems were not accessed, but remain secure and operational, and available to all clients and employees.
“We have no indication of misuse of your data as a result of this incident,” it continues.
Standard Bank teams have launched an investigation into the incident, and the bank reported the breach to regulatory authorities.
Just days earlier, Liberty warned customers about a data breach that has exposed some personal information.
Customers today received an SMS reading: “Liberty recently detected unauthorised access to your personal information.
“Your policies and investments remain secure and our services are running normally.”
Further enquiry reveals that information including customers’ names, surnames and identity numbers has been compromised.
A statement by Liberty CEO Yuresh Maharaj reads: “Liberty detected unauthorised third-party access to select data systems, and we immediately took steps to contain and mitigate the impact.
“Our services remain unaffected, fully operational and available to all our clients, advisers and employees.
“Our team, supported by experts, has launched a full investigation into this incident. We operate within a robust regulatory framework and fully comply with all applicable obligations.”
Liberty, a subsidiary of the Standard Bank group, is one of the biggest insurers in South Africa, claiming 3,2-million customers across the continent.