Are we safe? SA government grapples with data security crisis

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The South African government faces a serious data security crisis, with Home Affairs at the centre. Investigations by The Citizen have revealed critical vulnerabilities in its systems. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber acknowledged the need for urgent improvements.

Data Security Crisis: Home Affairs’ IT Challenges

Schreiber highlighted that Home Affairs essentially operates as an IT department. Its role is to warehouse vast amounts of sensitive data. Unfortunately, years of neglect have weakened its infrastructure, affecting both service delivery and cyber security.

“Sadly, its IT infrastructure has degenerated over many years,” Schreiber admitted. This makes the department an easy target for cyber attacks.

The Role of Sita

The State Information Technology Agency (Sita) is another major challenge. This agency has a regulated monopoly over government IT services. Schreiber pointed out that this monopoly hampers efforts to improve cyber security.

“When IT issues arise, departments like Home Affairs are not fully empowered to resolve them,” Schreiber said. This Catch-22 situation leaves critical systems vulnerable.

Risks of Identity Theft Amid Data Security Risk

Organised crime expert Chad Thomas highlighted the danger of identity theft due to data breaches. Criminal syndicates often steal identities to commit fraud or launder money.

“We’ve seen a rise in identity theft cases linked to compromised government data,” Thomas noted. Stolen identities can also be used to marry foreigners or create fake death certificates for insurance fraud.

Collaboration with Organised Crime

Thomas emphasised that some Home Affairs employees may be complicit. Weak cyber security creates a symbiotic relationship between organised crime syndicates and corrupt insiders. This situation worsens the data security crisis.

Calls for Reform

Wayne Duvenage from the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) stressed the government’s responsibility. He criticised their lack of diligence in protecting personal information.

“Government systems hold vast amounts of personal data,” Duvenage said. “They must apply the highest cyber security standards, just like they demand from private companies.”

Digital Transformation Plans

Despite these challenges, Schreiber remains committed to improving cyber security. Home Affairs plans to hire experts, fill vacancies, and foster a digital-first culture. However, Schreiber insists that broader government action is necessary.

Ending Sita’s monopoly could empower departments to address cyber vulnerabilities more effectively. Schreiber called for collective efforts to ensure secure, world-class digital services for all South Africans.

South Africa is a Target

South Africa is not immune to cyber attacks. The country has experienced significant breaches. Incidents such as the Momentum subsidiary breach, data leaks at a Nedbank service provider, Liberty’s loss of email records, and the Master Deeds breach.

In fact, South Africa is frequently ranked among the most attacked countries globally. These breaches highlight that nothing and nobody is immune

Cybercriminals often target smaller businesses lacking robust security controls. This trend was particularly evident during the increase in remote work during lockdowns. Attackers focused on vulnerable companies as employees returned to office work.

A Data Security Threat

South Africa’s data security crisis poses a serious threat to citizens’ identities and the nation’s infrastructure. With systemic reforms and stronger cyber security measures, the government can protect sensitive data and restore public trust.