Latest news with #NationalCommissionfortheProtectionofPersonalData
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hackers breach Morocco's social security database in an unprecedented cyberattack
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco 's social security agency said troves of data were stolen from its systems in a cyberattack this week that resulted in personal information being leaked on the messaging app Telegram. The North African kingdom's social security fund administers pensions and insurance benefits to millions of private sector workers, from assembly line laborers to corporate executives. It said in a statement Wednesday that preliminary investigations suggest the leak resulted from hackers bypassing its security systems. The agency did not say who was thought to be responsible for the leak while also claiming that many of the documents posted were 'misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete.' The hackers who posted the documents on Telegram said the attack was in response to alleged Moroccan 'harassment' of Algeria on social media platforms, pledging additional cyberattacks if Algerian sites were targeted. Moroccan media have attributed the attack to Algerian hackers, describing it as an episode in a larger cyberwar between the two countries. Relations between Algeria and Morocco have recently deteriorated to historic lows. The countries have withdrawn their ambassadors, closed their embassies and respective airspaces. Algeria's support for the Polisario Front, a pro-independence movement fighting Morocco over the disputed Western Sahara, is among the roots of the tensions. Some of the leaked information touches on deeply sensitive issues in Morocco. Among the leaked documents is salary information that, if accurate, would reflect vast inequalities that continue to plague Morocco despite its strides in economic development. The trove includes unverified financial data on executives of state-owned companies, political parties, figures associated with the royal family's holding company and charity fund, and the Israeli liaison office in Rabat. Morocco's National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data said on Thursday that it stood ready to investigate complaints from people targeted in the leak. Mustapha Baitas, Morocco's government spokesperson, linked the attack to what he said was growing support for Morocco in the conflict from the international community — something he said 'disturbs the enemies of our country to the point of attempting to harm it through these hostile actions.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week said he supported Morocco's plan for the disputed territory, a statement Algeria criticized on Thursday. During his first term in office, President Donald Trump shifted Washington's longstanding position in 2020 to back Morocco's sovereignty over the territory. President Joe Biden's administration neither reversed nor openly supported the policy.
The Independent
10-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Hackers breach Morocco's social security database in an unprecedented cyberattack
Morocco 's social security agency said troves of data were stolen from its systems in a cyberattack this week that resulted in personal information being leaked on the messaging app Telegram. The North African kingdom's social security fund administers pensions and insurance benefits to millions of private sector workers, from assembly line laborers to corporate executives. It said in a statement Wednesday that preliminary investigations suggest the leak resulted from hackers bypassing its security systems. The agency did not say who was thought to be responsible for the leak while also claiming that many of the documents posted were 'misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete.' The hackers who posted the documents on Telegram said the attack was in response to alleged Moroccan 'harassment' of Algeria on social media platforms, pledging additional cyberattacks if Algerian sites were targeted. Moroccan media have attributed the attack to Algerian hackers, describing it as an episode in a larger cyberwar between the two countries. Relations between Algeria and Morocco have recently deteriorated to historic lows. The countries have withdrawn their ambassadors, closed their embassies and respective airspaces. Algeria's support for the Polisario Front, a pro-independence movement fighting Morocco over the disputed Western Sahara, is among the roots of the tensions. Some of the leaked information touches on deeply sensitive issues in Morocco. Among the leaked documents is salary information that, if accurate, would reflect vast inequalities that continue to plague Morocco despite its strides in economic development. The trove includes unverified financial data on executives of state-owned companies, political parties, figures associated with the royal family's holding company and charity fund, and the Israeli liaison office in Rabat. Morocco's National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data said on Thursday that it stood ready to investigate complaints from people targeted in the leak. Mustapha Baitas, Morocco's government spokesperson, linked the attack to what he said was growing support for Morocco in the conflict from the international community — something he said 'disturbs the enemies of our country to the point of attempting to harm it through these hostile actions.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week said he supported Morocco's plan for the disputed territory, a statement Algeria criticized on Thursday. During his first term in office, President Donald Trump shifted Washington's longstanding position in 2020 to back Morocco's sovereignty over the territory. President Joe Biden's administration neither reversed nor openly supported the policy.
Associated Press
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Hackers breach Morocco's social security database in an unprecedented cyberattack
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Morocco 's social security agency said troves of data were stolen from its systems in a cyberattack this week that resulted in personal information being leaked on the messaging app Telegram. The North African kingdom's social security fund administers pensions and insurance benefits to millions of private sector workers, from assembly line laborers to corporate executives. It said in a statement Wednesday that preliminary investigations suggest the leak resulted from hackers bypassing its security systems. The agency did not say who was thought to be responsible for the leak while also claiming that many of the documents posted were 'misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete.' The hackers who posted the documents on Telegram said the attack was in response to alleged Moroccan 'harassment' of Algeria on social media platforms, pledging additional cyberattacks if Algerian sites were targeted. Moroccan media have attributed the attack to Algerian hackers, describing it as an episode in a larger cyberwar between the two countries. Relations between Algeria and Morocco have recently deteriorated to historic lows. The countries have withdrawn their ambassadors, closed their embassies and respective airspaces. Algeria's support for the Polisario Front, a pro-independence movement fighting Morocco over the disputed Western Sahara, is among the roots of the tensions. Some of the leaked information touches on deeply sensitive issues in Morocco. Among the leaked documents is salary information that, if accurate, would reflect vast inequalities that continue to plague Morocco despite its strides in economic development. The trove includes unverified financial data on executives of state-owned companies, political parties, figures associated with the royal family's holding company and charity fund, and the Israeli liaison office in Rabat. Morocco's National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data said on Thursday that it stood ready to investigate complaints from people targeted in the leak. Mustapha Baitas, Morocco's government spokesperson, linked the attack to what he said was growing support for Morocco in the conflict from the international community — something he said 'disturbs the enemies of our country to the point of attempting to harm it through these hostile actions.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week said he supported Morocco's plan for the disputed territory, a statement Algeria criticized on Thursday.
Morocco World
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's Data Protection Authority to Examine Privacy Concerns in Video Surveillance
Rabat – Morocco's National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (CNDP) has announced plans to hold hearings to establish regulations that protect privacy in the use of video surveillance. In a statement released on Friday, the CNDP explained that this initiative aims to ensure a unified interpretation of Law 09-08, which governs the protection of personal data. The commission seeks to engage all stakeholders involved in video surveillance to establish clear guidelines and safeguards. 'The use of video surveillance is now a key issue, covering various aspects such as the protection of public and private spaces, the recording of events for research or security purposes, and risk prevention,' the statement noted. The CNDP noted that approaches to video surveillance differ worldwide, depending on each country's legal framework, cultural norms, and security needs. For instance, the use of technologies like facial recognition in public spaces raises ongoing questions about necessity, acceptability, and risks to personal data protection, the data protection authority noted. The commission noted the need for careful and balanced discussions that respect constitutional values, public interest, and citizens' rights. It called for a thoughtful approach to integrating new surveillance technologies while safeguarding privacy. CNDP's statement comes after reports suggested that Rabat is set to install 4,000 AI-powered cameras with facial recognition capabilities by the end of 2025. The project aims to enhance security, especially ahead of major events like the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. The new system is set to include advanced cameras, automatic license plate recognition, and AI to monitor behavior patterns in real-time. However, the project, especially the use of facial recognition technology, has raised concerns about mass surveillance and the ability to track individuals without their consent. Many worry that this technology could be used to monitor everyday activities and potentially violate citizens' privacy in public spaces. Tags: data protectionsurveillance cameras
Morocco World
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
CNDH Calls for More Regulations to Tackle Data Privacy Breaches
Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), has emphasized the institution's commitment to preserving personal data protection as Morocco scales up its digitization efforts to rise to the challenges of the digital era. Bouayach made her remarks while taking part in the Personal Data Protection and Respect for Private Life Week. The National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data organized the event today to commemorate the International Day for Personal Data Protection, which is celebrated every year on January 28. Protecting personal data is an integral part of the right to privacy and the protection of individuals' private lives, Bouayach stressed in her speech. 'It is one of the main, fundamental rights to preserve the dignity of individuals and protect their basic freedoms,' she said, adding that privacy as a concept is expanded to include the protection of personal data. For the CNDH President, current and emerging challenges require serious efforts as well as regulations to ensure people's data are secure. Some of the pressing challenges facing people concerned with the safe archiving of their data include the exploitation of their personal (sometimes intimate) details online without their consent, she explained, stressing that this particularly targets particular groups like women and children. 'This necessitates strengthening the protection against any exploitation, targeting or manipulation,' Bouayach said, calling for the urgency of raising digital literacy and information awareness among ordinary people to acquaint them with techniques that would allow them to ensure more security or protection for their data. Read also: King Mohammed VI Appoints New Members to Data Protection Committee These challenges come amid a complex situation due to the increasing demand for the use of personal data, Bouayach argued. She stressed: 'In this context, a conflict may sometimes arise between the right to personal data protection and freedom of expression or the right of access to information, especially when the public interest is at the center of the debate.' The CNDH chief further recalled how similar overlap triggers legal and human rights, stressing that personal data protection represents 'one of the most prominent challenges facing the national system for the protection of human rights in this era.' Bouayach acknowledged the importance of technologies and platforms as powerful levers for boosting rights and freedoms, but she cautions that they can also pose risks when they are used in a way that violates the right to privacy. 'We certainly need to adopt legal approaches that protect victims and require the media to respect the ethical charter of the journalistic profession, including online journalism,' she said. The CNDH President notably pledged further efforts and collaboration with national and international institutions to boost trust and advocacy to ensure transparency in technology design and use. Such collaborative efforts would typically seek to emphasize that 'data processing in these situations should be temporary, voluntary, and goal-oriented, with guarantees that data is deleted once it is no longer needed,' she concluded.
