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Virgin Active SA hit by ‘sophisticated’ cyber attack

Sibahle Malinga
By Sibahle Malinga, ITWeb senior news journalist.
Johannesburg, 01 May 2021

Virgin Active South Africa has been the target of a sophisticated cyber attack, which the fitness and health company says was discovered on Thursday.

In a statement sent to gym members yesterday, Virgin Active notes that due to the cyber attack, as a precautionary measure, all its IT systems have been placed offline including the Virgin Active mobile app and online classes are currently not available.

“Virgin Active South Africa became aware of a cyber attack yesterday and our security teams immediately started working with cyber security experts to carefully contain, manage and investigate the cyber event.

“While we take the necessary steps to protect data, we have been targeted by sophisticated cyber criminals. As a precautionary measure, we have taken all systems offline while we resolve this.”

In SA, Virgin Active owns 114 gyms across the country with an estimated 800 000 members.

In terms of stolen data, the company says there is currently no indication that any data has been removed from its systems; however, it has urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant of any suspicious activity online.

The company notes that all health clubs are operating as normal; however, the in-club WiFi and club phone lines are currently not operating and will be offline until its systems are restored.

“We are working with law enforcement and have notified the Information Regulator as a precaution. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience while we address this event,” notes the statement.

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