Hackers used AI to steal $16m+ from South African ministry
Using digital technologies, hackers have stolen 300m Rand ($16.6m) from the Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure of the South African Republic over the past ten years – as stated by newly appointed Minister Dean Macpherson, TASS reports
At a briefing on the preliminary results of the audit, Mr. Macpherson said, “The losses may be even more significant, as the verification continues.”
According to the official, the last cyberattack on the ministry took place in May, and attackers then stole 24m Rand ($1.3m). Mr. Macpherson did not rule out that hackers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to break into ministerial networks.
It is known that South African law enforcement agencies took part in the audit, but they did not specify from which places and by whom the attacks on the department had been carried out. However, four officials of the ministry, including top managers, were removed from office as a precautionary measure. Investigators seized 30 laptops from ministry employees.
