Meteorological Services Uninterrupted Despite Hacking Incident
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) continues to rely on alternative channels to render critical marine, aviation and severe weather services pending the recovery and restoration of compromised Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems, which went down on Sunday, 26 January 2025 following a cyber security breach.
“Thus far, we have not had an interruption of services. Weather products for marine and aviation sectors are being conveyed via alternative channels. Daily forecasts are being sent regularly via email to media houses and to Disaster Management Authorities,” said SAWS Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ishaam Abader.
Mr Abader added that forecasts were further being disseminated through social media platforms as the organisation’s website remains down.
A team of engineers and cyber security experts is working around the clock to return operations to normalcy within a reasonable time. Up to so far, the team has been able to restore the SAWS email functionality and telephone system.
The SAWS understands the significance of its services in so far as they relate to saving lives and property from the impact of hazardous weather. Accordingly, the organisation does not take the cyber-attack lightly. The public will be kept abreast of developments at regular intervals.
