Hack attack: Gov brings in own hackers

The State Information Technology Agency (SITA) has brought in its own hackers to protect government websites against international cyber-attacks. This is according to a report in the City Press newspaper on 26 May 2013.

Last week (17 May 2013) it was reported that a hacker was able to breach the security of the South African Police Service (SAPS) website. The hacker leaked leaked personal information of thousands of people who reported crimes to SAPS through its online system.

The hacker used a simple SQL injection attack to get hold of data stored in the database of the SAPS website. This raised serious questions about the security of state websites.

According to the City Press report, state websites are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and the SAPS hack may only be a taste of what is to come.

The report highlighted another security problem, this time with the City of Johannesburg’s credit management system.

According to the newspaper, it could access sensitive information through this system, which included key details about account holders.

SITA general manager Daniel Mashao admitted security problems with state websites. He said that they will ensure that any sensitive information is encrypted before being transmitted to where it will be stored securely.

SITA executive for ICT service delivery Mmakgosi Mosupi told the City Press that they are reviewing the security mechanisms of all the government websites it hosted.

More on SAPS website hacking

SAPS website hacker interviewed

No confidential data leaked in website hack: SAPS

SAPS website hacked, sensitive info leaked: reports

Spyware servers in South Africa: the plot thickens