Pretoria (Agencies): In a startling disclosure, the South African Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has been the victim of a cyber heist totaling 300 million rand (approximately $16.6 million) over the last decade. The revelation came from Dean Macpherson, the newly appointed minister, who described the department as vulnerable to cyberattacks.
The extent of the financial damage may escalate as the probe advances, with Macpherson not dismissing the potential use of artificial intelligence by hackers or the involvement of internal staff in the breaches.
A recent cyber incident in May led to the theft of 24 million rand ($1.3 million), triggering a thorough investigation by national authorities and IT specialists. The inquiry has resulted in the confiscation of 30 laptops and the suspension of four DPWI officials, including three from senior management.
The South African security apparatus has yet to pinpoint the exact sources or culprits behind these cyber incursions.