The City of Jo`burg`s Web site was not hacked as reported by newspapers this morning, says the city`s Web master, Barry Hiles.
"A guestbook, that is used for traffic information, was spammed with some pornographic links," explains Hiles.
Reports carried by the media claim pornographic images popped up when users tried to access the traffic report, which is hosted on the guestbook. This was accompanied by the message: "Your computer might be infected by spyware, download to fix the problem."
Hiles says the guestbook is used to inform readers about traffic conditions around the city. "Users are able to post their own traffic reports to the guestbook, and others can check it before they leave work or home."
Hiles also added that the guestbook can only be accessed through a link from a weekly e-mail newsletter, and there are no links from the Web site.
"This newsletter goes out to approximately 2 000 subscribers, and only a fraction of those might have visited the traffic report," says Hiles, suggesting that media reports stating that 516 316 users saw the pornographic material are incorrect.
"When we were informed of the problem, we immediately investigated the extent of the issue. At no time was the operation of the Web site affected, or the integrity of the site threatened.
"The problem was reported to us on Monday afternoon. We received one complaint, and acted upon that immediately. The guestbook was immediately disabled and removed from the site. We take Internet security and the quality of our site very seriously.
"We would like to apologise to anyone who was offended by the link. This was the first time that something like this has happened to the site, and steps have been taken to ensure it is the last," adds Hiles.
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