SARS launches its own Internet browser to solve Flash problems

[Willie Trombone]

Watch how some dodgy people create dodgy websites where you can download the SARS browser except you get some malware. And people are so stupid out there that they will fall for it.

Get an email from a fake SARS with a link to a fake SARS download site and bam there you go. The email can even contain a link to this article. Man I would have been such a good crook.

This his probably the biggest risk. All it has to do is switch SARS IPs for their own and include new methods of payment.
Unfortunately Joe public can't be trusted with the security of his own stuff these days. All they want is a black box with one button.

 

[konfab]

So we're comfortable installing a piece of government written software on our PC's? What could go wrong....

Windows Sandbox lol

 

[Mystic Twilight]

I disagree. All the higher volume forms have been moved to HTML5 already. It would make no sense for SARS to keep the remaining few forms on flash (with this band aid solution) while running everything else in HTML5.

Not sure if you work in software development, but "temporary" solutions becoming permanent fixes are one of the most common problems that occur in software development.

 

[JohnStarr]

Unfortunately, that is not an option anymore. Also, which form will you be needing to access?

Who knows...I'll do my tax in July. Will see then.

 

[Z3120]

That's actually an interesting angle to look at. Would be funny as all hell if they repackaged stuff and broke the open-source licensing in some way.

Haven't had a look at the contents of their distribution as yet. I can't really see how they would invest in something commercially licenced from start to finish as they've not done this previously.

Noted they were using an alternative enterprise open source java sdk for some reason on last inspection of Easy File so I'd imagine their instructions follow a similar path.

Immediately their form to download the software / application / bundle indicates one is entering a commercial agreement as it requests personal details inclusive of ID number.

 

[konfab]

Temporary becomes permanent.

Van uitstel, kom afstel

Nothing is more permeant than a temporary fix.

 

[My_King]

Ha ha ha.....NO

 

[Herr der Verboten]

SARS launches new eFiling browser to solve Flash problems

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has launched a new eFiling browser in response to users complaining that they were having issues with Flash forms not loading on the eFiling website.

ancccp salutes you

 

[Slinetpixel]

Windows Sandbox lol

I was gonna say, just use a VirtualBox running an unactivated Windows 10

 

[Speedster]

Who knows...I'll do my tax in July. Will see then.

In that case the answer is simply - none. The affected forms aren't for general tax things.

 

[Speedster]

Not sure if you work in software development, but "temporary" solutions becoming permanent fixes are one of the most common problems that occur in software development.

Nothing is more permeant than a temporary fix.

As mentioned earlier, the majority of forms have already been migrated. While nothing is impossible, especially with our public service, keeping these forms on flash with the band-aid browser while running everything else in HTML5 isn't a likely long term outcome.

 

[LCBXX]

This was a clever move.

 

[konfab]

Nice of them to use an up-to-date version of Chrome to base on.

 

[Mystic Twilight]

As mentioned earlier, the majority of forms have already been migrated. While nothing is impossible, especially with our public service, keeping these forms on flash with the band-aid browser while running everything else in HTML5 isn't a likely long term outcome.

Well we can keep the optimism on hand, but only time will tell if they will replace the band aid with a transplant.

 

[konfab]

As mentioned earlier, the majority of forms have already been migrated. While nothing is impossible, especially with our public service, keeping these forms on flash with the band-aid browser while running everything else in HTML5 isn't a likely long term outcome.

That would be the case if SARS actually employed competent people.

Their former head of IT, was a verifiable idiot.

Their current one is just as much of a tool:

In an interview with 702’s The Money Show, Intikhab Shaik, head of technology and solutions delivery at SARS, told Bruce Whitfield that SARS did not expect Adobe would “actually block” Flash Player from working. This happened on 12 January 2021.

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-01-24-sars-some-taxpayers-tax-forms-gone-in-a-flash/

 

[Speedster]

That would be the case if SARS actually employed competent people.

Their former head of IT, was a verifiable idiot.

Their current one is just as much of a tool:

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-01-24-sars-some-taxpayers-tax-forms-gone-in-a-flash/

So you'd prefer them not bringing out a fix?

 

[CraigMenace]

Seems like a reasonable temporary solution, would've taken ages to actually update the entire system away from Flash.

Not reasonable at all or well thought out at all. Which is not surprising either considering who is running the show. (AnCORRUPTCANCER)
frankly the the lack of quality thinking in state institutions is scary.
So all mac and linux users are automatically excluded from this "WELL THOUGHT OUT Plan"

Governing Party are Clowns.. They should all go join a real circus..

We should ALL STOP paying tax until this they are able to manage things properly.

I would really lIke to meet and chat with senior IT STAFF AT SARS.. I DON'T BELIEVE THEY HAVE ANY SKILLS.

 

[CraigMenace]

So you'd prefer them not bringing out a fix?

HAHA... SO poor. Typically the ANC think they are untouchable.. CLOWNS!

 

[Decarin]

Oh brother. Should have called it SARS2

Please tell me there is an HTML5 version of the site in the works.... Please?

 

[Fulcrum29]

That would be the case if SARS actually employed competent people.

Their former head of IT, was a verifiable idiot.

Their current one is just as much of a tool:

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-01-24-sars-some-taxpayers-tax-forms-gone-in-a-flash/

That is indicative of them not following best practices. I wonder how deep this runs in the organisation?