Following a cyber attack on it two weeks ago, the network of Drakenstein Municipality is still not fully operational.
Yesterday morning the municipality said its systems had been restored and it was almost ready to switch its network back on following the attack, which took place in the early hours of 11 August.
According to Seraj Johaar, Director: Corporate Services, the municipality has been subject to a ransomware attack. Malicious software encrypted data on its systems and a number of its computers and laptops.
“The source is from the ransomware family named Lockbit,” he pointed out. “Developers of such malware syndicate their code, which means other criminal syndicates can licence it from the developer. It is therefore very difficult to identify who is responsible.
“There are various ways in which the ransomware can be deployed, and this is being probed as part of the municipality’s ongoing internal investigation into the matter.”
Johaar said the municipality was able to secure its data speedily thanks to its practice of backing up data twice daily.
“Its back-up or disaster-recovery process as well as the risk mitigation measures the municipality has in place have ensured there was no loss of critical data,” he said. “Therefore we did not have to pay any ransom money.”
Johaar explained the next step was to rebuild the network systematically and make 100% sure it is secure and virus-free before fully restoring all systems.
In the meantime the municipality’s main telephone contact number, 080 131 3553 (toll free) and email address, customercare@drakenstein.gov.za, had been made functional.
Various applications, hosted in the “cloud”, were also available for staff to work on in the interim.
From this week the municipality’s cashiers at the Paarl Civic Centre and in Wellington were fully functional again and ready to serve members of the public.
The cashier halls in Paarl East, Mbekweni, Saron and Gouda were expected to follow shortly. This in addition to the various online payment methods available to the public.
“The municipality also reiterates its assurance to its service providers that all accounts will be paid within 30 days of receipt of their accounts,” said Johaar. “Drakenstein Municipality believes it has acted as swiftly as possible to ensure the least possible interruption of services, and thanks its community members for being patient and understanding during this process.”
He said it is crucial that the Municipality continues with its cautious approach, which means that some services, such as the processing of building plans, might be slightly delayed.
