Latest news with #OnlineVendingSystem
IOL News
8 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Eskom cracks down on fraudulent electricity tokens with new security upgrades
Eskom intensifies efforts to secure its prepaid electricity token system following the OVS breach, aiming to restore public trust and strengthen operational resilience. Image: Timothy Barnard /Independent Newspapers Eskom has announced decisive new actions to protect its customers following a major breach of its Online Vending System (OVS), which was exploited to generate and distribute fraudulent prepaid electricity tokens. The breach, revealed in Eskom's full-year 2024 financial results released in December, exposed critical weaknesses in both the physical and cybersecurity layers of the utility's infrastructure. The fraudulent activity, which threatened to undermine public trust in Eskom's prepaid electricity system, prompted an immediate and robust response from the state-owned utility. 'We uncovered weaknesses in physical and cybersecurity components on our OVS system,' said Monde Bala, Eskom's Group Executive for Distribution. Eskom has since launched a comprehensive review and intervention strategy to address these security gaps and strengthen its operations against future threats. '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,' explained Len De Villiers, Eskom's Chief Technology and Information Officer. To address the vulnerabilities that allowed the token fraud to occur, Eskom has reinforced its physical infrastructure and limited both physical and digital access points. Eskom has also strengthened internal controls to combat electricity theft and enhanced monitoring capabilities to ensure greater transparency and timely detection of suspicious activities. In parallel, Eskom has been working closely with law enforcement agencies to support ongoing investigations and ensure accountability. As part of this effort, internal employees who have been implicated have been placed on precautionary suspension pending further review. Furthermore, Eskom has engaged an external IT firm to strengthen in-house capabilities and improve risk management. The utility has also fast-tracked the acquisition of a new, secure vending system designed to replace the compromised OVS and prevent similar incidents in the future. Throughout this process, Eskom has maintained regular reporting to its board, which continues to provide oversight of all remediation efforts. 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 '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," said Eskom's Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane. "This is not just a technical fix, it is part of a broader commitment to transparency, operational excellence and accountability.' While the investigation into the token fraud continues, Eskom has pledged to share the findings once the process is concluded and the appropriate time for disclosure has been determined. In the meantime, the utility has called on customers and stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to prepaid electricity tokens. As Eskom moves forward with its efforts to protect its infrastructure and rebuild public confidence, it reassures South Africans that their electricity, and their trust, remain top priorities. IOL
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Eskom strengthens system against fraudulent tokens generation
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, said 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 said. 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. On-going 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 (IT) firm tasked to better manage risks and safeguard operations. Coordinated 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. – At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
a day 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
a day 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
a day 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.
