Morocco’s social security agency confirmed that a major cyberattack this week led to the theft and leak of sensitive personal data on Telegram, marking one of the most serious breaches in the country’s history.
The agency, responsible for managing pensions and insurance benefits for millions of private sector workers, said in a statement on Wednesday that hackers had successfully bypassed its security measures. While the agency did not identify who was behind the attack, it claimed that many of the leaked documents were “misleading, inaccurate, or incomplete.”
Hackers who shared the stolen information on Telegram said their actions were retaliation against alleged Moroccan “harassment” of Algeria on social media, warning of further cyberattacks if Algerian sites were targeted. Moroccan media reports have attributed the breach to Algerian hackers, describing it as part of an escalating cyberwar between the two neighboring countries.
Relations between Morocco and Algeria have sharply deteriorated in recent years, fueled by disputes over Western Sahara, diplomatic rifts, and the closure of embassies and airspace. Algeria’s backing of the Polisario Front, which seeks independence for Western Sahara, remains a key source of tension.
The leaked data reportedly includes sensitive information such as salary details, financial records of executives at state-owned companies, political parties, and figures linked to Morocco’s royal family businesses and charitable organizations, as well as the Israeli liaison office in Rabat. If verified, some documents could highlight persistent income disparities in Morocco despite ongoing economic development efforts.
Morocco’s National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data announced it was prepared to investigate complaints from those affected by the leak.
Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas linked the attack to Morocco’s growing international support regarding Western Sahara, suggesting that “enemies of our country” were attempting to undermine it through such hostile actions.
Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced support for Morocco’s plan for the disputed territory, drawing criticism from Algeria. The Biden administration has maintained former President Donald Trump’s 2020 decision to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, though without formally endorsing the policy.