The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has experienced such losses over the past 10 years, Dean Macpherson, who’s been heading the ministry since June 30, said at a briefing on the first results of the audit.

💬 “In order to build trust with South Africans, we must be transparent about the problems we face us,” he wrote on X.

Macpherson said the department’s most recent cyberattack occurred in May. Then, according to the minister, the attackers stole 24 million rand (about $1.3 million). He added that hackers are increasingly using AI  to hack ministerial networks.

South African security forces took part in the audit. Four ministry officials, including some from its senior leadership, were suspended as a precaution. Investigators also seized 30 laptops from ministry employees.
Hackers steal $16.6 million from the South African ministry

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has experienced such losses over the past 10 years, Dean Macpherson, who’s been heading the ministry since June 30, said at a briefing on the first results of the audit.

“In order to build trust with South Africans, we must be transparent about the problems we face us,” he wrote on X.

Macpherson said the department’s most recent cyberattack occurred in May. Then, according to the minister, the attackers stole 24 million rand (about $1.3 million). He added that hackers are increasingly using AI  to hack ministerial networks.

South African security forces took part in the audit. Four ministry officials, including some from its senior leadership, were suspended as a precaution. Investigators also seized 30 laptops from ministry employees.