Telecom moves to reassure customers over database security

Telco releases statement announcing investigation into possible breach

Telecom has acknowledged a possible fraudulent use of login details, which may have allowed a telesales company access to a database containing more than 2.1 million customer names.

Telecom released a statement on its website today assuring customers their personal information is secure, following a Herald on Sunday article. The story alleged a breach of The Wireline database, which contains the names, address, phone numbers and connection plans of all Telecom Retail customers. It does not contain credit information or calling histories.

“If our investigation confirms unauthorised access we will take all appropriate action,” says Telecom Retail CEO Alan Gourdie.

“Telecom has detailed security policies that we review regularly and update as required. Access to Telecom Retail’s Wireline information requires levels of passwords/pins and should only by accessed by authorised personnel in the provision of Telecom Retail service. If it is confirmed that an organisation or person has been fraudulently using login details to access unauthorised customer information, we will take all appropriate steps to pursue the matter.”

It was alleged in the Sunday newspaper the login to the Wireline database was used illegitimately by an independent telesales company working on behalf of Slingshot, the consumer brand of CallPlus. CallPlus CEO Mark Callander has been contacted by Computerworld, but has not as yet returned our calls.