Basil Read reports cyberattack incident on its IT systems

JSE-listed construction company Basil Read Holdings says it is a victim of a targeted ransomware attack on its information technology systems.

In a statement on Monday the group said once it became aware of the cyberattack, which struck on December 15, it took all its systems offline to control the attack.

“The company activated its business continuity plans to restore the IT operational environment while utilising manual processing systems and continue to function, albeit with some delays in some administrative functions,” Basil Read said on a statement.

It added that its operations continued unaffected.

The group said external security experts and the forensic team have been engaged to advise and supplement the internal teams and capacity. While investigations of the incident are in progress, Basil Read says the extent to which sensitive data has been compromised is yet to be determined.

Palesa Mofokeng is a Moneyweb intern.