Meteorological services uninterrupted despite hacking incident

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has asserted that it 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.

This follows a cyber security breach on its ICT systems by criminal elements, on Sunday evening.

“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,” SAWS Chief Executive Officer, Ishaam Abader said on Thursday.

Abader said that forecasts were further being disseminated through social media platforms, as the organisation’s website remains down.

The weather service said that a team of engineers, and cyber security experts are 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,” the weather service said. –SAnews.gov.za