GTBank confirms attempted website hack, assures customers of data safety
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has addressed recent concerns regarding an attempted hacking incident on its website, following media reports that claimed hackers had cloned the bank’s website and intercepted customer data.
The hacking attempt occurred shortly after the bank renewed its domain name, leading to a temporary disruption of the website and preventing customers from accessing online services. The disruption sparked widespread concern, with media outlets suggesting that the bank’s website had been cloned, raising fears of a potential data breach.
In a statement released on Thursday, GTBank clarified that while there was an attempt to compromise its website domain, the website had not been cloned, and no customer data was at risk. The bank emphasized that it does not store customer information on its website, eliminating the possibility of any data being compromised.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports in the media alleging that hackers have seized the Bank’s website, cloned it, and intercepted customer data,” the statement read. “While there was an isolated incident of an attempt to compromise our website domain, we would like to assure all our Customers and Stakeholders that the Bank’s website has not been cloned and that we do not store customer information on our website. As such, there has been no instance of compromise of customer data.”
GTBank reassured customers that its Information Security Experts are working around the clock to restore domain settings. The bank also reiterated its commitment to safeguarding customer data and urged customers to remain calm, dismissing the inaccurate media reports.
The incident, which reportedly began on August 14, 2024, just a day after GTBank renewed its domain name, has highlighted the growing threat of cyberattacks on financial institutions in Nigeria. Despite the website disruption, GTBank’s mobile applications on Android and iOS devices remained functional during the period.
