R33m ransom claim denied

THE Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has denied allegations that hackers, who launched a ransomware attack on its information and communications technology (ICT) system two weeks ago, have demanded a ransom of R33 million.

This followed a media report suggesting that cyber attackers wanted the department to pay them millions of rand before they could restore normality to its ICT system.

The department has expressed concern that some personal information may have been accessed and sent outside of the organisation. It said it was in the process of establishing the exact nature of data that had been accessed.

Department spokesperson Steven Mahlangu said the media report about a ransom was “inaccurate”, and the media house had agreed to retract it.

He said the department was “currently rebuilding its back-up infrastructure, and so far has not experienced any encryption in this regard”.

The investigation to establish the identity of the perpetrators behind the attack was continuing, he said.

“The director-general and senior management of the department continue to work around the clock to ensure that this challenge is resolved,” Mahlangu said.