The Public Servants Association (PSA) wants government to prioritise cybersecurity, including investing in skills development, following recent cyberattacks on government systems.

The PSA expressed extreme concern about the implications for citizens of these attacks.

In February 2024, the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA) system experienced an attempted cyberattack when an unauthorised party attempted to access information at the GPAA. The PSA noted that, fortunately, this failed.

The Department of Justice was also attacked in 2023, with the PSA highlighting a recent incident at the Department of Home Affairs where an attempt was made to attack the systems.

The PSA said it was gravely concerning that government systems were vulnerable, adding that such attacks disrupted government services.

It wants government to be proactive and put stringent measures in place against such attacks. In addition, the PSA explained that departments must have contingency plans to restore systems in case of any breach.

The PSA further urged government to ensure that critical and confidential information on citizens and employees is secured.

“Such breaches expose the vulnerability of government systems with the potential of being compromised. Failure over years to invest in upgrading information technology security systems may have far-reaching implications for the personal data of citizens,” it said.

The association advised government to install the latest technologies and security systems and to ensure it had sufficient resources and the right skills to prevent such attacks.

Cyberattacks would further impact the country and citizens as government would be unable to render effective services, it said.

The PSA warned government employees to be vigilant against acts of cybercrimes, saying they must report any suspicious information to the authorities.

Cyberattacks are linked to cyber extortions and the PSA urges crime intelligence to be proactive in this regard.