By Lerato Mpembe
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced on Wednesday that the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has fully restored its operations following a massive cyber attack in June this year. The cyberattack had significantly disrupted essential health services, affecting public health facilities across South Africa.
Cyber Attack Impact and Recovery Efforts:
The NHLS, which manages over 230 laboratories and provides critical diagnostic services for 85% of South Africa’s population, experienced a severe disruption in its IT systems due to a ransomware attack in late June. This incident resulted in substantial delays in processing laboratory tests, which had to be communicated manually in many cases, leading to backlogs that extended well into August.
In response to the cyberattack, the NHLS undertook a comprehensive rebuilding of its IT infrastructure, successfully restoring full operational capacity by August. Deputy Minister Phaahla commended the swift and tireless efforts of the NHLS, emphasizing that over 70% of healthcare decisions in South Africa depend on the services provided by these laboratories.
Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures:
Following the restoration of operations, Phaahla urged the NHLS to implement stronger cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents. The NHLS has committed to investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies and enhancing its digital infrastructure to ensure resilience against potential threats.
Ongoing Support from the Department of Health:
The Department of Health has pledged continued support for the NHLS and other public health entities to ensure they can execute their mandates effectively. The department recognizes the critical role that the NHLS plays in the public healthcare system, and the recent recovery underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery.
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