Latest news with #Bloemfontein-based
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Cybersecurity firm warns of ‘costly epidemic' as ransomware cripples SA firms
Bloemfontein-based cybersecurity firm Tanosec has issued a warning to South African businesses amid a 'dramatic surge' in ransomware demands and payments. The firm says this underscores a growing national security crisis. Bloemfontein Courant reports that, according to the Sophos State of Ransomware in South Africa Report 2025, the median ransom demanded in South Africa has increased significantly – from R2.9m in 2024 to R17m in 2025 – while median payments have also tripled, reaching R8m. The Sophos report also indicates that 60% of ransomware attacks in South Africa result in data encryption, a number that surpasses the global average. 'The numbers are alarming and serve as a stark wake-up call for every business operating in South Africa,' says Lawrence Lackey of Tanosec. 'Ransomware is no longer a distant threat; it's a present and costly epidemic that can cripple operations, tarnish reputations and impose immense financial and emotional strain on organisations and their employees.' The firm adds that compromised credentials, exploited vulnerabilities and malicious emails are the primary entry points for these sophisticated attacks. Beyond the ransom fee, the cost of an attack can be drastic, with an average recovery bill of R23m, alongside significant operational disruptions and reputational damage. Tanosec explains that only half of South African companies manage to recover within a week of a ransomware attack, indicating widespread unpreparedness. 'While the ransomware landscape is challenging, businesses can significantly reduce their risk with the right strategies and a trusted cybersecurity partner,' adds Lackey. As businesses grapple with the rising tide of sophisticated cyber threats like ransomware, individual consumers are also increasingly vulnerable to highly organised fraudsters. Investigative journalist Irma Green recently shared her own startling experience of being duped by a banking scam, highlighting how convincing these criminals can be – even to a seasoned professional. You can read her full account of how she was targeted and share your experiences here. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
08-07-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
‘He's a good kid with good intentions': McKenzie thanks son for Siwelele FC deal
Sport, arts and culture minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed his gratitude to his son, Calvin Le John, for purchasing SuperSport United and rebranding it as Siwelele Football Club. SuperSport was sold to a Bloemfontein-based consortium, with Le John part of the team that secured the R50m deal. The sale awaits approval from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) executive committee. In a Facebook post, McKenzie thanked his son, highlighting the emotional connection his family has with the 'Siwelele' name, which was the nickname previously associated with Bloemfontein Celtic. 'You were born five hours after I was jailed for 17 years,' McKenzie said. 'You grew up seeing me through jail bars. You never visited me on the weekends of the home games of Siwelele because you and your grandpa would go and watch the games religiously, just like me and him when I was young. 'I remember you told me that it brings you closer to me emotionally, knowing that you are doing the same thing I did with my father and your grandfather. You suffered growing up without your dad. I thank God for a powerful mother who stood in the gap. You are the main reason I behaved better because I wanted to come out and didn't want to see you grow up behind jail bars forever.'
IOL News
02-07-2025
- IOL News
Former Hawks officer among suspects arrested for trafficking in persons
Three suspects, including a former police officer appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court in the Free State on charges of trafficking in persons, rape, and attempted murder. The three suspects, Alicia Britz, 29, Rian Mulder, 56, and former officer Raoul Hartman were arrested on Monday, June 30. The arrest comes after a multi-disciplinary team led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation's (known as Hawks) Bloemfontein-based Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation, K-9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, and Police Emergency Services joined forces. The provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, said one of the suspects is a former Warrant Officer who was attached to the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Bloemfontein until 2019 when he retired. 'The 26-year-old victim alleges that, during July 2022, she saw an advertisement on Facebook for a job as a bartender at a certain gentleman's club in Ferreira, Bloemfontein. She started talking to the club owner, who made arrangements for the victim to be transported from Ventersburg,' Matoti said.
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SuperSport United's status reportedly sold as Bloemfontein eye Celtic revival
One of local football's worst-kept secrets is set to be confirmed later today, with SuperSport United announcing the sale of their status. For most of the past campaign, rumours abounded that pay channel MultiChoice – who own the club – were keen to exit the football space, having already ended their sponsorship of the elite league via DStv. It is common knowledge that MultiChoice have faced financial difficulties in recent years, and there is speculation they may be acquired by French company Canal+. Independent Media has reliably learnt that the sale of the club's Betway Premiership status has been finalised at R50 million to a Bloemfontein-based consortium, reportedly including Sports and Recreation Minister Gayton McKenzie. The group is intent on reviving Bloemfontein Celtic.
IOL News
01-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou departs Marumo Gallants after a brief but impactful tenure
Former head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has left Marumo Gallants after just a few months in charge. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In a surprising turn of events, Abdeslam Ouaddou has announced his departure from Marumo Gallants, just a few months after taking the reins of the Bloemfontein-based Premier Soccer League side. The French-Moroccan coach made his announcement through a social media statement on Saturday night, expressing gratitude to the club's staff, players, and supporters for their unwavering support during his time at the helm. Ouaddou's statement read: 'I would like to announce with this press release the end of the adventure with the Marumo Gallants club. To the incredible Siwelele Sa Marumo Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the season. Your chants, your songs, your energy in the stands, they meant everything to us. 🙌🏽#MarumoGallants #BahlabaneBantwa #SiweleleSaMarumo — MARUMO GALLANTS FC (@_Marumogallants) May 21, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "It has been a great pleasure to have collaborated with all the resources of the club. I would like to thank first of all my players, my president, and all the stakeholders of the club who participated from near or far in this mission to save the club, without forgetting our magnificent supporters. "The people of Bloemfontein will remain in my heart forever. I wish the best to Marumo Gallants as well as to my players. "I love you guys. I obviously remain open to any proposal for an ambitious project and am determined to take on a new challenge.' Ouaddou's tenure at Gallants began in March, replacing Dan Malesela, the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns defender. His arrival injected a fresh sense of purpose, highlighted by an impressive victory over Orlando Pirates in his debut match. Under his guidance, the team experienced a revival that left fans buzzing with optimism. He lifted the side from a precarious position to a commendable tenth place in the league and led them to the semi-finals of the Nedbank Cup. Ouaddou's final game turned out to be a crucial moment, as a victory against Magesi FC could have secured a Top 8 spot.
