Algeria's state-owned telecoms operator Algeria Telecoms has experienced a series of cyber attacks aimed at interrupting its service. According to the company the attacks were unsuccessful and the perpetrator has been apprehended.

According to the company, the attacker attempted to gain access to its network and hack personal data belonging to subscribers, as well as its billing system to hijack 4G reload credits on his personal account.

"The technical teams in charge of the security of information systems in collaboration with the security services have intervened to neutralise these attempts to attack and have secured the various operational platforms," the operator stated.

While revealing there were no major complications, its official website had reflected an error message with a call to action for those affected.

As at the time of publishing, it had not restored access to its Webmail interface, only via Pronto5.

The company assured subscribers of its efforts to ensure uninterrupted services.

With cyber attacks in Algeria intensifying at a time when the government is advocating the adoption of e-payment and other digital services, Iman Houda Faraoun, Algeria's Minister of Post, Information and Communication Technologies and Digital Economy, used the latest development to drum up support for the e-commerce bill which has already been approved by the Council of Ministers.

"The law will come into force and will offer protection as soon as it is approved by the parliament. It will help in protecting sensitive consumer data," she said.