South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) operator suffered a severe cyberattack targeting operational technology environments linked to weather and flight support systems. Preliminary findings uncovered malware associated with early-stage ransomware attacks, prompting management to seek urgent assistance from external cyber-forensics firms. Investigators are probing potential data exfiltration and network compromises stretching across regional airport facilities, including operations in Port Elizabeth and East London. The incident has raised critical alarms regarding aviation security vulnerabilities, as ATNS manages airspace operations spanning a massive portion of the region. The attack underscores growing global concerns over systemic threats targeting critical infrastructure and operational technology networks within the transportation sector.

Full report : State-owned air navigation services provider ATNS calls in forensic investigators following a disruptive ransomware and malware incident affecting operational technology networks.