SEO Meta Description: The Justice Department has suffered another cyber attack, impacting child maintenance payments. A forensic team is investigating the breach.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJ&CD) has been hit by another cyber attack, disrupting electronic child maintenance payments. A forensic team has been assembled to investigate the breach. The public is advised to visit local courts with ID for manual payments until the system is restored. This follows a 2021 ransomware attack that severely affected the department’s IT systems, resulting in a R5 million fine for violating data privacy laws.
Cybersecurity Incident Overview
Impact on Services The recent cyber attack has temporarily halted electronic payments for third-party funds, including child maintenance. The department urges affected beneficiaries to visit their nearest court with their identity documents to receive manual payments.
Investigation and Response A forensic team has been put together to investigate any suspicious activity and assess the potential breaches to the system. The department is committed to enhancing its cybersecurity measures to prevent future attacks and mitigate risks.
Historical Context In 2021, the department faced a significant ransomware attack that encrypted all its information systems, rendering them inaccessible to both internal employees and the public. This attack disrupted numerous electronic services, including bail services and the department’s website.
Ongoing Cyber Threats to Government Entities
Frequent Targets Government entities in South Africa, including the Department of Justice, are frequent targets of cyber criminals. Recent incidents include a cyber attack on the International Trade Administration Commission and an attempted security breach at the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission.
Economic Impact Cyber crime costs the South African economy an estimated R2.2 billion annually. The rising number of data breaches is concerning, with the Information Regulator receiving over 150 notifications monthly.
Preventive Measures Following the 2021 ransomware attack, the Department of Justice planned to allocate part of its budget to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure. This included renewing essential licenses and instituting disciplinary actions against officials who failed to maintain cybersecurity protocols.
FAQs
How is the Justice Department addressing the breach? The department has assembled a forensic team to investigate and is committed to fortifying its systems against future breaches.
What was the impact of the 2021 ransomware attack? The 2021 ransomware attack encrypted the department’s information systems, affecting all electronic services and leading to a significant fine for violating data privacy laws.
How frequent are cyber attacks on South African government entities? Cyber attacks on South African government entities are increasing, with several high-profile incidents reported recently.
What economic impact does cyber crime have on South Africa? Cyber crime results in an estimated R2.2 billion in annual losses to the South African economy.
What measures is the department taking to prevent future attacks? The department is investing in cybersecurity enhancements, including renewing critical licenses and improving system defenses.
Conclusion
The Department of Justice’s commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure is crucial to safeguarding against future attacks. By addressing the current breach and implementing preventive measures, the department aims to restore and protect its electronic services.
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References
https://www.itweb.co.za/article/justice-department-suffers-another-cyber-attack/rW1xLv5nJkx7Rk6m