Following a public statement by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson on July 10, reporting that R300-million had allegedly been siphoned from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) over a ten-year period through cybercrime, the State Security Agency (SSA) says it continues to provide support and advice to government departments on cybersecurity.

The agency says it is finalising a consolidated assessment of government's cybersecurity strengths and initiatives under way to address any weaknesses found in the system.

It says the report, once completed, will be submitted to the National Security Council for further processing and direction.

In a July 11 media release, the SSA says it has been inundated with media enquiries after the statement was issued by the DPWI.

On May 6, former Minister Sihle Zikalala issued a media statement noting that he had instituted a full forensic investigation through a multidisciplinary team, which includes the SSA.

This followed reports of alleged illegal cyber activity affecting the financial systems of the DPWI.

“The investigation is still ongoing, and investigating teams were urged to work with speed to conclude their work without compromising the required thoroughness of the investigation.

“It is, therefore, important for the DPWI to allow the investigation to be concluded without remarks that may jeopardise future criminal proceedings,” says the SSA.

Macpherson, on July 10, expressed that he welcomed the precautionary suspension of four individuals, including senior managers, and the seizure of over 30 laptops for further examination by the investigative teams.

“It has become clear that the department has been a soft target and playground for cybercriminals for over a ten-year period and this should have been picked up a lot earlier,” he said.