Gauteng e-Panic Button security tightened after attempted cyber breach
The department of e-government says no personal data was compromised following a security incident on its safety app, which now has over 280 000 users.
The Gauteng provincial government has urged residents in townships and vulnerable areas to download the Gauteng e-panic button to request rapid assistance during life-threatening emergencies.
Designed for criminal incidents, medical emergencies, gender-based violence and fires, officials say the platform offers an alternative route to emergency help when standard channels are inaccessible.
To date, the platform has over 280 000 active users.
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The department of e-government recently identified an attempted security breach involving the app environment, but maintained the issue was resolved swiftly without compromising personal data.
MEC for e-Government, Research and Development Bonginkosi Dhlamini said technical teams acted immediately to close gaps and reinforce security controls. “The security of our systems and the protection of residents’ personal information are non-negotiable,” Dhlamini said.
“The vulnerability was identified, and our technical teams implemented corrective measures promptly. This is not an ordinary incident that can simply be replicated by an average IT practitioner.”
The department is continuing security assessments, with Dhlamini confirming further testing has been requested to verify that all system requirements are met. “Cybersecurity is not a once-off exercise,” he added. “It requires continuous testing, monitoring, strengthening and improvement.”
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Dhlamini stressed that public trust is essential for user adoption, adding that data collected via the platform must strictly follow statutory regulations and government information security rules. “The Gauteng e-panic button is ultimately about people,” he said. “It is about ensuring that when a resident is confronted with danger or an emergency, technology can help them reach assistance as quickly as possible.”
The department confirmed it will continue collaborating with law enforcement, emergency services and other government partners to integrate the app into the broader public safety network.
Residents who have not yet downloaded the app are urged to do so and familiarise themselves with its functionality before an emergency occurs.
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