Hackers Strike: South Africa’s Weather Service Hit Twice in 48 Hours

Cyber Attack Alert: Double Hit on South African Weather Service

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has experienced two cyberattacks within a two-day span, leading to significant disruptions in its operations. The initial attack occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, but was unsuccessful.

However, a subsequent breach on Sunday evening compromised SAWS’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) systems, affecting critical services including aviation and marine operations, as well as the organization’s email system and website.

In response to the breach, SAWS has implemented alternative methods to disseminate essential weather information. The public is advised to rely on SAWS’s social media platforms for updates during this period.

ICT service providers are actively investigating the breach and working on both interim and long-term solutions to restore the affected systems and services. SAWS is also in the process of reporting the incident to relevant authorities.

This incident is part of a broader trend of cyberattacks targeting government agencies and organizations in South Africa. Recent victims include the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA), and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), all of which have faced significant breaches affecting their operations and compromising sensitive data.

The motive behind the attacks on SAWS remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source and nature of the breaches.