What happened to Wits University’s IT systems? What is a zero-day cyberattack? — here’s all to know
Wits University cyberattack
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) has become one of several global institutions affected by a sophisticated zero-day cyberattack that targeted Oracle E-Business systems across multiple countries.
The Johannesburg-based university confirmed that while some of its IT systems were compromised, teaching, learning, and administrative operations remain unaffected. The breach, which exploited an undisclosed vulnerability, underscores the growing threat of cyber incidents targeting major academic and public sector entities in South Africa.
In an official statement released on Friday, Wits described the incident as a “zero-day event” — a term used for cyberattacks that take advantage of software flaws not yet known to the developer, meaning no security patch exists when the breach occurs.
University’s Response and Collaboration with Experts
According to Wits University, its Chief Information Officer, Dr. Stanley Mpofu, is leading efforts to assess the extent of the breach. The university’s ICT department is collaborating closely with Oracle’s security engineers and independent cybersecurity specialists to determine what data, if any, has been exposed.
“ICT has already implemented all the latest critical patch updates released by Oracle,” the institution stated, emphasizing that containment and mitigation protocols were activated immediately after the incident was detected.
Wits also confirmed that it has formally reported the breach to the Information Regulator, in line with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), and has begun notifying affected stakeholders.
Potential Impact and Ongoing Investigations
While the university maintains that operations continue as normal, cybersecurity analysts warn that zero-day exploits can have unpredictable consequences. These attacks can allow hackers to infiltrate networks undetected, access sensitive data, or even compromise financial and research systems.
As investigations continue, Wits has urged members of its community — including students, staff, and alumni — to stay alert for suspicious emails or requests for personal information. The institution assured the public that data protection remains a top priority and that every precaution is being taken to safeguard its systems.
Cyberattacks on the Rise in South Africa
The Wits incident highlights a growing trend of cybercrime targeting South African organizations. In recent months, companies such as Cell C, MTN, Netstar, and South African Airways (SAA) have faced serious cybersecurity breaches, reflecting the region’s vulnerability to ransomware and infostealer attacks.
According to a 2024 cybersecurity report by ESET, South Africa is the most targeted country in Africa for data theft and ransomware activity. Analysts estimate that the average cost of recovering from a data breach in the country rose to R53 million in 2024, up from R49 million the previous year — a stark reminder of the economic toll cyber incidents can inflict.
A Call for Stronger Cyber Defenses in Education
Cybersecurity experts have long warned that universities are prime targets for hackers due to their vast databases, intellectual property, and open digital infrastructures. Institutions like Wits, which are heavily integrated with global software providers such as Oracle, remain especially vulnerable to zero-day exploits.
Wits Vice-Chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, has previously emphasized the university’s commitment to building a high-tech innovation ecosystem, but this latest breach serves as a reminder that digital growth must be matched with resilient cybersecurity measures.
As Wits and Oracle continue to investigate, the outcome of this case could influence how higher education institutions across Africa prepare for future cyber threats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happened to Wits University’s IT systems?
Wits confirmed that its Oracle E-Business system was compromised in a zero-day cyberattack affecting multiple countries.
Q2: What is a “zero-day” cyberattack?
It’s a cyber incident that exploits an unknown vulnerability in software before developers can issue a patch or fix.
Q3: Is Wits University still operating normally?
Yes. The university reports that all academic and administrative operations continue as usual despite the breach.
Q4: Who is handling the investigation?
Wits’ ICT department, Oracle, and cybersecurity experts are jointly investigating the incident.
Q5: Was any personal data stolen?
The university is still assessing what information, if any, may have been compromised and has notified the Information Regulator as required by law.