Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has confirmed it has fallen victim to a significant ransomware attack that has compromised the personal data of jobseekers.
It is reported that the hackers, who call themselves the XP95-ransomware group, have reportedly stolen more than 450 000 files from the agency’s human resources database, which is primarily used for online job applications.
In a statement outlining the breach, Stats SA acknowledged that the incident specifically targeted its e-recruitment system, an online platform that allows users to apply for government jobs from various devices.
The ramifications of this breach could be serious, with potential risks of identity theft and data misuse for individuals who applied for positions through this system.
Statistician-General and Head of Stats SA, Risenga Maluleke, emphasised the importance of safeguarding personal information.
In an interview with SABC News, he stated, ‘What was taken from us, was more files that relate to HR information. This breach could have entered our systems through facilities or platforms that users utilise. They could have been using an internet café, or their phones, that may not be protected – and in this regard, it’s their information,’
Maluleke’s comments underscore the risks faced by jobseekers who may not have employed robust security measures while accessing the stats agency’s systems.
The XP95 group has given Stats SA a strict deadline of 20 April to comply with a ransom demand. As the national statistics office navigates this crisis, they are collaborating with law enforcement and cybersecurity authorities to address the breach effectively.
Furthermore, Stats SA has committed to notifying South Africa’s information regulator as part of their formal response to the incident.
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