We are writing to inform you of a recent cybersecurity incident that has impacted on some of our Information Technology systems. In our commitment to transparency and maintaining your trust, we want to provide you with information regarding the incident, its potential implications, and the steps we have taken and are taking to address it.

 

On 11 December 2024 our IT team detected unauthorized access to some of our systems. Preliminary investigations suggest that an unknown entity successfully breached our security protocols by disrupting the functioning of our systems and accessed certain sensitive data.

 

Upon discovery of the breach, we promptly initiated several critical measures as follows:

1. we have restored all systems that were disrupted;

2. we have engaged a cybersecurity firm to investigate how this breach occurred and to conduct cyber security testing;

3. we have together with the cyber security firm that we engaged, strengthened our cyber security measures to prevent future incidents; and

4. additionally, we have notified the relevant regulatory authorities and are complying with all legal obligations.

 

With the above disclosed, we advise that you take the following precautions to safeguard your information:

1. vigilantly monitor your online profiles and financial accounts for any unusual activity;

2. change your passwords and activate two-factor authentication where available for your online profiles and financial accounts;

3. exercise caution when responding to unsolicited requests for personal information;

4. Install reputable antimalware (including privacy protection technology solution) on your devices that you use to generate, store and or share information.

5. regularly backup your information to a reputable secure storage platform.

 

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact our dedicated team at jls@jleslie.co.za

We deeply regret any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience as we address this matter.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

 

Yours faithfully

Mrs M McCullough

Chairperson
J. Leslie Smith & Company Inc.