EWN May 20
Large-scale cyber extortion hits SA web hosts, telecom companies :
Attackers have reportedly demanded cryptocurrency payments worth about R16 ...
ewn.co.za/2026/05/20/large-scale-cyber-extortion-hits-sa-web-hosts-telecom-companies
Photo: ewn.co.za · view article
Widespread Cyber Extortion Targets South AfricaAttackers demand about R16,000 in Monero while launching extensive DDoS attacks disrupting South Africa’s internet systems.
Key FactsMay 20, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ewn.co.za
- South African web hosting and telecom companies face a large-scale cyber extortion campaign.
- The assaults use DDoS methods that flood internet lines, indicating capabilities of major criminal groups or nation-states.
- The ransom demand of roughly R16,000 is small compared to the high operational costs and damage caused.
- Experts believe the campaign may be probing South Africa’s internet infrastructure or attempting data theft for future attacks.
There may be attempts to exfiltrate data going on; this could in fact be an attempt to probe the infrastructure of South Africa's internet to see what's possible and what can be done.— Duncan McLeod, Editor of TechCentral, speaking about the cyber extortion campaign targeting South Africa's web hosts and telecommunications providers.
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