Microsoft Under Siege: What the Global Server Hack Means for SA Firms
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Cybercriminals are back, and this time, they’re targeting one of the most widely used software platforms in the business world: Microsoft SharePoint. More than 10,000 companies globally are at risk after hackers exploited a serious vulnerability in Microsoft’s on-premise server software. Analysts are calling it a “dream scenario for ransomware operators,” with cybersecurity teams scrambling to apply emergency patches released by Microsoft over the weekend.
What’s the risk?
Hackers can now access file systems, read internal configurations, and run malicious code remotely, no passwords required. That means confidential documents, financial data, and even internal systems could be exposed in seconds. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed the threat, saying it allows persistent, unauthenticated access that poses a “significant risk” to affected organisations.
Victims already include federal agencies, universities, and telecom firms. Experts say the breach is “in the wild”, meaning it’s actively being used by attackers.
What does this mean for South African firms?
If your practice or clients run Microsoft SharePoint on-premise (not cloud-hosted), you could be at risk. The breach isn’t just a US issue. Thousands of businesses globally, including those in the UK, Netherlands, Canada and potentially South Africa, rely on these same systems. For many local accounting firms and SMEs, outdated or self-managed IT systems are common. That puts them in the danger zone if they haven’t applied the latest security updates.
Here’s what to do
Patch now: Ensure all Microsoft SharePoint servers are updated immediately with the latest patches.
Check exposure: Run vulnerability scans and monitor for unusual file access or login activity.
Strengthen your cyber posture: This is a reminder to update firewalls, backups, and user access controls—especially if you hold sensitive client data.
Review your cyber insurance: Make sure you’re covered for ransomware or data breaches under your existing policy.
A wake-up call for accountants
This latest breach underscores a growing trend and cyber risks are no longer just IT’s problem. They now directly impact your practice, your clients, and your bottom line. With rising cybercrime and regulatory expectations (think POPIA), staying secure isn’t optional.
Remember that all businesses have a duty to report cybersecurity breaches to the Information Regulator. Read more in the Guideline on Completing the Section 22 Security Compromise Notification Form.
Source Article: Moneyweb
