Update, 25 July, 2.45pm
City Power Johannesburg has updated the public on the progress of cleaning up its networks after a ransomware virus attacked its databases, network and applications this morning, 25 July.
On Twitter, City Power said that most of the IT applications and networks that were affected by the cyberattack have been cleaned up and restored.
The update on Twitter read, “Work is still continuing on some systems and applications that were affected including the uploading of invoices by our suppliers, and logging faults by customers on the website.”
As some of the applications are still down, the response time of logged calls will be delayed as some of the internal systems to dispatch and order material have been impacted by the cyberattack.
One of the temporary alternatives put in place for customers is that they can submit their invoices for payments physically to City Power offices at 40 Heronmere Road, Booysens or alternatively use the citymobi online services.
City Power has assured customers that its details were not compromised after the cyberattack and have apologised for the inconvenience caused. They hope to have everything back to normal by the end of the day.
The cause of the cyberattack is being investigated by City Power cyber security.
#JoburgUpdates @CityPowerJhb: Ransomware virus is known globally to be operated by syndicates seeking to solicit money. We want to assure residents of Johannesburg that City Power systems were able to proactively intercept this and managed to deal with it quickly ^GZ
— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) July 25, 2019
Initial report, 25 July, 10am
City Power Johannesburg said that it has been attacked by a ransomware virus, encrypting all its databases, applications and network.
City Power said on Twitter on 25 July that their ICT department is cleaning and rebuilding all impacted applications. The virus has made it difficult for customers to access their website. The tweet read, “Customers may not be able to visit our website and may not be able to buy electricity units until our ICT department has sorted the matter out, Customers and stakeholders will be updated as and when new information becomes available.
As customers can not access the website, they can alternatively use citymobi to log in their calls or complaints. Customers will also struggle to upload their invoices when they make payments.
It is unclear when the website will be up and running again.
Many Joburg residents shared their frustrations on Twitter:
This has been since yesterday, cant purchase prepaid electricity! So no power! When will we be able to purchase and get power?
— J D Grimshaw (@JDGrimshaw2) July 25, 2019
We bought this morning and only have 5 units left. They can't be serious.
— Eternal Optimist 🦸🏾♀️| Honours student 🤓 (@UnculturedSavag) July 25, 2019
I'm in Riverlea I can't get electricity anywhere I hve been trying to buy from FNB cell phone banking since from 6:00 AM this morning the services out of service now whose gonna repay me my money for using FNB app
— 31_ savege (@Thumeka16979266) July 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/org_tlholo/status/1154293217644503040
https://twitter.com/GibraltarZA/status/1154287894040842240
Related articles:
https://fourwaysreview.co.za/262476/cyber-attacks-attacks-across-world-outraged-twitter-community/
https://fourwaysreview.co.za/298870/city-power-employee-dismissed-found-guilty-misconduct/
