South Africa-based Transport Company named Transnet is reported to have been hit by a cyber attack that has caused serious disruptions to its operations that can last for a week. In an email update released by the Cape Town Harbour Carrier Association to the members, it was clearly mentioned the port operations have been seized and the movement of cargo has been barred until the disrupted systems are restored.
Highly placed sources say that the African Port operator was disrupted by a ransomware attack, as most of the data remained inaccessible after the incident.
Official website of Transnet is showing an error message and arrangements are being made to bring back the site to life as soon as possible.
Transnet staff have clearly specified that they are not authorized to speak on the nature of attack and may only provide on the update after the incident is thoroughly probed.
Currently, only the distribution of mining ore and auto parts has been affected, while the movement of essential commodities remains unaffected. Also, the operations related to freight rail, pipeline, engineering and property divisions are operating normally.
NOTE- Based in Johannesburg, Transnet SOC LTD is a company that is into the business of transit through rail, road and ships. South Africa’s National Port Authority is in charge of the port infrastructure and marine services that are used to export and import commodities via six largest African ports- Durban, Richards Bay, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and East London.
