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Law enforcement authorities take over SACAA investigation

Samuel Mungadze
By Samuel Mungadze, Africa editor
Johannesburg, 15 Jul 2019

Law enforcement authorities are now investigating the suspected attack on the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s (SACAA’s) information technology infrastructure.

The new development comes as the aviation authorities deny claims made in an e-mail that is being circulated alleging SACAA is in talks with unknown individual(s) who are demanding a ransom payment.

“This is a misrepresentation of facts, as the organisation continually receives such and other phishing e-mails and spoofs, which are dealt with accordingly by the organisation through its ICT team. So, it is not the first time that such an e-mail had been sent to one or more of our employees,” SACAA spokesperson Kabelo Ledwaba said on Friday.

Now, Ledwaba has confirmed that national law enforcement authorities are investigating the security breach matter at SACAA. He, however, could not divulge the agency leading the probe.

“The matter is currently being investigated by law enforcement agencies. It is important that we allow them the space, independence and time to do their work thoroughly and without any form of interference.”

Ledwaba added: “Moreover, and for obvious reasons, discussing security matters publicly is not prudent.”

He said SACAA has, however, restored all its ICT services, “and our focus at this point is to provide prompt service to our clients and eliminate any backlog”.

Earlier this month, SACAA disconnected its servers following a suspected breach.

An internal investigation was launched thereafter, and as required by relevant legal prescripts, SACAA notified all the relevant state security authorities about the matter at the time for their consideration, analysis and possible investigation.

An investigation was subsequently launched internally.

At the time, Ledwaba said: “It is only after the conclusion of the current ongoing (internal) investigation that we will know, with absolute certainty, if indeed there was an individual or individuals that may have deliberately attempted to disrupt the SACAA’s services.”

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