The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says that although its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems suffered a cyber attack, it relies on alternative channels to render critical marine, aviation, and severe weather services.
SAWS systems went down on Sunday, 26 January 2025, following a cyber security breach. The entity said the attack was the second in two days after the initial attempt on Saturday, 25 January, failed.
SAWS ICT SYSTEMS NOT YET RECOVERED
SAWS chief executive officer (CEO) Ishaam Abader said that thus far, services have not been interrupted.
“Weather products for marine and aviation sectors are conveyed via alternative channels. Daily forecasts are being sent regularly via email to media houses and Disaster Management Authorities,” Abader said.
In addition, forecasts were further being disseminated through social media platforms
as the organisation’s website remains down.
Abader said a team of engineers and cyber security experts is working around the clock to return operations to normalcy within a reasonable time. The team has been able to restore the SAWS email functionality and telephone system so far.
“The SAWS understands the significance of its services as they relate to saving lives and property from the impact of hazardous weather. Accordingly, the organisation does not take the cyber-attack lightly. The public will be kept abreast of developments at regular intervals,” he added.
NATIONAL HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICE SUFFERS CYBER ATTACK
A number of South African entities including government departments have suffered major cyber attacks in recent years.
In June 2024, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) operations have been fully restored following a cyber attack in June this year.
The NHLS was hit by a cyber attack that significantly disrupted the normal delivery of essential health services in the public health sector.
The National Department of Health described the NHLS as the backbone of the country’s public health, which manages a network laboratory system that serves over 85% of South Africa’s population through 230 laboratories, playing a critical role in clinical outcomes and patient diagnosis.
WHAT DO YOU THINK COULD BE THE REASON BEHIND THE CYBER ATTACK ON SAWS’S SYSTEMS?
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