The Gauteng Department of e-Government has assured residents that the Gauteng e-Panic Button mobile app is safe to use following concerns about information security risks.

The department revealed it detected an attempted security breach within the app’s environment but acted swiftly to address the issue. Officials confirmed that no personal information belonging to citizens was compromised during the incident.

“The incident involved a highly specialised organisation with advanced cybersecurity expertise and capabilities in vulnerability identification and security testing,” the department said.

MEC for e-Government Bonginkosi Dhlamini stressed that protecting residents’ personal data is non-negotiable.

“A vulnerability was identified, and our technical teams promptly implemented corrective measures. This is not an ordinary incident that can be replicated by an average IT practitioner.”

The department requested additional testing and verification to guarantee that all security requirements are met and that systems remain resilient.

Officials emphasised that cybersecurity is an ongoing process requiring continuous testing, monitoring, and improvement rather than a once-off exercise.

Authorities are encouraging residents, especially those living in townships and underserved areas, to download and use the app.

Designed as a public safety innovation, the platform connects users to emergency services in life-threatening situations such as criminal incidents, medical emergencies, gender-based violence, and fires.