Macsteel, Africa’s manufacturer and distributor of steel, was hit by a cyberattack at the end of July, around the same time as South Africa’s state-owned ports and freight rail operator Transnet experienced a cybersecurity incident that had forced the company to declare “force majeure” and halt operations at container terminals in Durban, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

Macsteel representatives told Fin24 online news publication that the company’s systems "returned back to normal" within two business days of the breach and no critical information was affected. The company did not provide further details on the nature of the cyberattack, or what damage, if any, it caused.

On July 22, Transnet was hit by a cyberattack, with its division Transnet Port Terminals being among the hardest hit. The attack disrupted normal processes and damaged equipment and information. It is believed that a ransomware strain known as Death Kitty, Hello Kitty, or Five Hands was behind the attack.