Hackers hit South Africa’s data agency, over 450,000 job records exposed

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Hackers hit South Africa’s data agency, over 450,000 job records exposed

South Africa’s official statistics agency has been caught in a major cybersecurity breach after hackers claimed to have accessed more than 450,000 files belonging to job applicants. The incident is one of the most significant attacks in recent times involving a government institution.

The breach targeted a human resources database linked to the agency’s online recruitment system, raising serious concerns about the safety of personal information submitted by applicants.

Authorities confirmed that the compromised data relates largely to HR records collected through the e-recruitment platform.

Officials say the point of entry may not have been limited to the agency’s internal systems. Instead, the breach could have occurred through external platforms or devices used by applicants, such as mobile phones or public internet facilities with weak security protections. This has increased fears of identity theft among those affected.

A ransomware group known as XP95 has claimed responsibility for the attack and is reportedly demanding payment, with a deadline set for later in April.

The agency says it is working with relevant authorities and will notify the information regulator as investigations continue.

The latest breach adds to a growing list of cyberattacks targeting government-linked institutions in South Africa, raising fresh questions about data security and the protection of sensitive information.

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Chioma Ndukwu

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