The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says it is relying on alternative channels to render critical marine, aviation and severe weather services, pending the recovery and restoration of compromised information and communication technology (ICT) systems.

This follows a cyber security breach on its ICT systems by criminal elements on Sunday night.

“Thus far, we have not had an interruption of services. Weather products for marine and aviation sectors are being conveyed via alternative channels. Daily forecasts are being sent regularly via email to media houses and to disaster management authorities,” says SAWS CEO Ishaam Abader.

Abader says forecasts are also being disseminated via social media platforms, as SAWS’s website remains down.

The weather service says a team of engineers and cyber security experts is working around the clock to return operations to normalcy within a reasonable time. So far, the team has restored SAWS’s email functionality and telephone system.

“SAWS understands the significance of its services in so far as they relate to saving lives and property from the impact of hazardous weather. Accordingly, the organisation does not take the cyber attack lightly. The public will be kept abreast of developments at regular intervals.” –SAnews.gov.za