Stats SA reports data breach affecting jobseekers’ online applications

Stats SA has confirmed a cybersecurity incident that affected its human resources database, particularly the online system used by jobseekers to submit applications. The breach was identified over the weekend, prompting the national statistics office to initiate its response protocols. In line with South African data protection regulations, Stats SA will notify the Information Regulator and follow the prescribed processes to manage the situation. While details regarding the number of individuals affected or the nature of the data compromised are not yet fully disclosed, the entity emphasised that it is part of a wider government effort to address cybersecurity risks across public institutions. Stakeholders and users of the platform have been advised to stay vigilant and monitor their personal information for any signs of misuse. The breach highlights ongoing challenges in securing sensitive government-held data and underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures within public sector systems. Authorities are currently investigating the source of the attack and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.