Latest news with #OVS
IOL News
10 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Eskom announces stricter security measures following Online Vending System breach
Embattled power utility Eskom has announced new security and oversight measures for its prepaid electricity system Image: Supplied Embattled power utility Eskom has announced new security and oversight measures for its prepaid electricity system, aimed at strengthening its Online Vending System and improving control across its operations. The decision to implement the new measures comes after the release of a forensic report detailing a breach of the Online Vending System (OVS) in Eskom's full-year financial results for 2024, which were published in December 2024. According to the state-owned power utility, the system was exploited to create and distribute fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens. This incident highlighted significant vulnerabilities in both the physical and cybersecurity aspects of the utility's prepaid electricity infrastructure. In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, Eskom said that it has undertaken a "comprehensive review and intervention strategy aimed at mitigating these vulnerabilities and restoring the integrity of the system." 'We uncovered weaknesses in physical and cybersecurity components on our OVS system,' Monde Bala, Eskom's Group Executive for Distribution, said. 'Earlier this year, Eskom successfully strengthened the protection of its current systems against potential threats. All system enhancements are managed through a robust Change Management process that spans all divisions, ensuring consistent oversight and control. Bala also stressed that the new measures are part of the utility's broader effort to safeguard operations and improve system integrity. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ "These measures are part of Eskom's ongoing commitment to safeguarding operations and addressing identified vulnerabilities,' said Eskom's Chief Technology and Information Officer, Len De Villiers. Eskom's Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, acknowledged the challenges facing the Online Vending System (OVS) and emphasised the utility's determined response. 'We are fully aware of the challenges that have emerged within the OVS environment and we have taken clear steps to address them. Our focus is on restoring trust, strengthening our systems, and ensuring that our customers can rely on a secure and efficient service. This is not just a technical fix, it is part of a broader commitment to transparency, operational excellence and accountability,' s Marokane said. Eskom added that it will continue to investigate and strengthen its systems and governance. "Eskom continues to investigate and strengthen its systems and governance, it calls on stakeholders and its customers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to prepaid electricity tokens". IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom boosts cybersecurity after breach exposed flaws in prepaid token system
State power utility Eskom says it has taken several steps to strengthen its systems against potential threats related to the generation of fraudulent prepaid tokens. In December 2024, the power utility disclosed, as part of its full-year 2024 financial results, a forensic report detailing the breach of its Online Vending System (OVS). 'The system was exploited to generate and distribute fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens, revealing critical vulnerabilities in both the physical and cybersecurity components of the utility's prepaid electricity infrastructure. 'In response, Eskom undertook a comprehensive review and intervention strategy aimed at mitigating these vulnerabilities and restoring system integrity,' Eskom said in a statement. Eskom Chief Technology and Information Officer Len De Villiers says the power utility has 'successfully strengthened the protection of its current systems against potential threats'. 'All system enhancements are managed through a robust change management process that spans all divisions, ensuring consistent oversight and control. These measures are part of Eskom's ongoing commitment to safeguarding operations and addressing identified vulnerabilities,' De Villiers says. The latest key actions implemented include: Internal controls to deal with electricity theft have been implemented Measures to safeguard the system by reinforcing physical infrastructure and limiting both physical and digital access Enhanced monitoring capabilities to ensure transparency and timely reporting Ongoing collaboration with law enforcement agencies to support investigations and ensure accountability. As part of this process, internal employees who have been implicated have been placed on precautionary suspension pending further review Augmented in-house capabilities, supported by an external information technology firm tasked to better manage risks and safeguard operations Co-ordinated system upgrades through a structured change management process Regular reporting to the Eskom Board, which has maintained oversight throughout the remediation process Accelerated acquisition of a new, secure vending system, designed to replace the current OVS and prevent future incidents. Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said: 'We are fully aware of the challenges that have emerged within the OVS environment, and we have taken clear steps to address them. 'Our focus is on restoring trust, strengthening our systems, and ensuring that our customers can rely on a secure and efficient service. This is not just a technical fix, it is part of a broader commitment to transparency, operational excellence and accountability.' Eskom, in conjunction with law enforcement, is investigating, with the findings to be disclosed once complete. – 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!
The South African
17 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Eskom tightens security after prepaid token fraud
Eskom has announced decisive measures to tighten its digital and physical security following a breach in its Online Vending System (OVS), which was used to issue fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens. The power utility revealed the update on Wednesday, as it moves to restore public trust after the incident exposed significant flaws in its infrastructure. 'We are fully aware of the challenges that have emerged within the OVS environment,' said Eskom CEO Dan Marokane. 'We have taken clear steps to address them.' Last year, a forensic report uncovered how the system was manipulated to generate and distribute fake tokens. The breach raised alarm about both physical and cybersecurity weaknesses in Eskom's prepaid electricity platform. Marokane stressed that Eskom's response goes beyond a technical repair. 'Our focus is on restoring trust, strengthening our systems, and ensuring that our customers can rely on a secure and efficient service,' he said. 'This is not just a technical fix, it is part of a broader commitment to transparency, operational excellence and accountability.' Eskom has rolled out several internal controls to prevent future incidents. These include measures to restrict digital and physical access to key systems and reinforced infrastructure to better guard against tampering. The utility confirmed that some employees linked to the breach have been placed on precautionary suspension while investigations continue. Eskom is also working with law enforcement to pursue criminal charges where appropriate. '[We are] accelerating the acquisition of a new, secure vending system,' said Marokane. 'It's designed to replace the current OVS and prevent future incidents.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom takes action after breach of online vending system
The system was exploited to generate and distribute fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens. Eskom says it has taken decisive action to strengthen its systems and restore public confidence following the disclosure in its full-year 2024 financial results, released in December 2024, of a forensic report detailing the breach of its Online Vending System (OVS). The power utility said the system was exploited to generate and distribute fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens, revealing critical vulnerabilities in both the physical and cybersecurity components of its prepaid electricity infrastructure. Forensic investigation Eskom launched a forensic investigation in December last year into an electricity theft racket involving the use of illicit tokens for prepaid meters that may have cost the company billions of rand in lost revenue. It also probed the security of its IT systems, including the involvement of some of its employees. Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said in response, the utility undertook a comprehensive review and intervention strategy aimed at mitigating these vulnerabilities and restoring system integrity. 'Eskom uncovered weaknesses in physical and cybersecurity components on its OVS system.' ALSO READ: Is Eskom winning the fight against corruption and theft? Progress Eskom's Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, said the utility has made significant progress in enhancing and protecting its infrastructure, ensuring greater resilience and reliability. 'We are fully aware of the challenges that have emerged within the OVS environment, and we have taken clear steps to address them. Our focus is on restoring trust, strengthening our systems, and ensuring that our customers can rely on a secure and efficient service. 'This is not just a technical fix, it is part of a broader commitment to transparency, operational excellence and accountability,' said Marokane. Vigilance Eskom stated that, while it continues its investigation in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, the findings will only be shared once the process is complete and the appropriate time for disclosure has been determined. The utility said it continues to investigate and strengthen its systems and governance, calling on stakeholders and its customers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to prepaid electricity tokens ALSO READ: Was Stage 6 load shedding revenge for tariff decision? Eskom CEO responds
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Schreiber slams TymeBank CEO for ‘profiteering over people'
Home Affair this week announced it will be increasing the cost that companies must pay to verify people's identities by up to 6,500%. A spat has erupted between Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and TymeBank CEO Coenraad Jonker, with the minister saying the bank is putting 'profiteering over people!' On Tuesday, Jonker criticised Home Affairs identity online verification system (OVS) check fee hike warning Schreiber in an open letter that he should reverse his decision to increase the fee for accessing identity verification services. Verification services Home Affairs this week announced it will be increasing the cost that companies must pay to verify people's identities by up to 6,500% in an effort to correct what it called 'unsustainable under-pricing of verification services.' The department also announced on Monday that it will launch an upgraded verification system for the national population register (NPR). The OVS allows third-party companies, including banks, insurance companies and mobile network operators, to verify the identities and other biographical information of their clients against the NPR. These checks are a requirement under specific legislation, including the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (Fica) and the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act (Rica). ALSO READ: TymeBank founder warns minister about fee increase for ID verification Price increase Home Affairs gazetted a new price structure for real-time identity checks, increasing the fee from 15 cents to R10 from July. For verifications during off-peak hours, companies can perform a batch of verifications for R1. The department said extreme under-pricing of the OVS led to profiteering and abuses by some users that overwhelmed the NPR and caused failure rates in excess of 50%, contributing to 'system offline' failures at Home Affairs offices and threatening national security. This is an increase of 6 500%. Tyme not happy In a strongly worded letter on Tuesday, Jonker warned that the fee hike will 'unravel years of progress in digital transformation, financial inclusion and economic justice.' 'Today, South Africa is one of the most inclusively priced countries in the world, comparing well with Panama, Colombia and Peru, at 2 US cents per identity lookup. Your new fee makes South Africa almost twice as expensive as the most expensive peer group countries, like Pakistan and Ecuador.' 'Robbing SA' Jonker said the price increase would make it impossible for Tyme to allow clients to open an account in real-time with no monthly fees. 'Your new fee will make this impossible, robbing South Africa of its only accessible and free bank account.' Jonker said Schreiber's decision shifts the cost of what should be a state-funded utility onto the shoulders of the poor. 'It imposes a regressive tax that penalises those with the least. 'Identity verification is a public good. Around the world, it is subsidised or fully funded due to its essential role in national development. Yet here, in a time when our country most needs inclusivity, innovation and trust, we choose exclusion. 'As my example illustrates, the price hike is wildly out of line with the average cost per user compared to South Africa's peer group countries,' Jonker said. ALSO READ: Home affairs ID verification cost to increase by up to 6 500% Digital world He said the R1 batch lookup fee was not a practical alternative, as real-time lookups are crucial in the digital world. Jonker said that Tyme contributed to the public participation process for the fee increase but was 'clearly ignored'. Among the suggestions he put forward in the open letter are a phased fee structure and volume-based discounts. Schreiber hits back Schreiber struck back and slammed Jonker on social media. . In a post on X, he said that banks, insurers and Cosatu recognised the need to fix the process. 'The CEO of a Unicorn worth R26,700,000,000.00 demands that taxpayers struggling to afford food must subsidise it, as it refuses to pay more than 15 cents for a service that costs vastly more to provide and that contributes to 'system offline' at Home Affairs offices?' Schreiber wrote. 'Shocking' is the fact that you paid a measly 15 cents for years, relying on taxpayers to subsidise the rest of the actual cost while you profited. 'Shocking' is that we have your CEO admitting, in writing, that he never even read our letter inviting public comment, then approached a political party from the shadows after the comment period closed to try and apply pressure, and now dishonestly claims he was not consulted. 'Shocking' is trying to prevent Home Affairs from correcting under-pricing to invest in the NPR before it cripples national security. Take your faux outrage somewhere else and stop putting profiteering over people!' Schreiber said. Mobile operators The Association of Communications and Technology (ACT), an organisation representing mobile operators such as Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom, also criticised the fee, saying that the organisation had previously written to the department to raise concerns about the process used to increase the fees. ACT said that network operators that are members of ACT may have to either absorb the cost or pass the cost of the verification on to consumers. ALSO READ: Home Affairs clears 250 000 ID backlog in one month
