The South African Weather Service (Saws) is relying on alternative channels to render critical marine, aviation and severe weather warning services after its systems were compromised in a hacking incident.
Saws said on Thursday that it was relying on alternative channels while technical experts, including cyber security specialists and engineers, recovered and restored its compromised information and communication technology systems.
This follows a cyber security breach of its ICT systems on Sunday evening.
“Thus far, we have not had an interruption of services. Weather products for marine and aviation sectors are being conveyed via alternative channels. Daily forecasts are being sent regularly via email to media houses and to Disaster Management Authorities,” SAWS Chief Executive Officer, Ishaam Abader said on Thursday.
Abader said forecasts were further being disseminated through social media platforms, as the organisation’s website remained down.
Saws said a team of engineers and cyber security experts were working around the clock to return operations to normalcy within a reasonable time. So far, the team has been able to restore the Saws email functionality and telephone system.
“The Saws understands the significance of its services in so far 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,” the weather service said. -SAnews.gov.za
