The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has expressed its belief that the series of cyberattacks on government websites and databases following the cyber attack on PhilHealth is not a mere coincidence.
During the Senate Committee on Science and Technology hearing, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Dy stated that local hackers may be responsible for the recent cyberattacks on various government offices.
He emphasized that the recent spate of hackings on government websites and databases following are not coincidental and are likely the work of local hackers.
The personal data stolen by the Medusa hackers from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation was subsequently released on the dark web earlier this month after the government refused to pay a $300,000 (approximately ₱17 million) ransom.
Other government entities, including the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Philippine National Police, and the House of Representatives, have also fallen victim to cybersecurity breaches.
However, PhilHealth Chief Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. stated that their external services have been fully restored since the past weekend, while they anticipate their internal services to return to normal this week.
The House of Representatives’ website experienced two attacks, with the first incident resulting in defacement on Sunday and the website being voluntarily taken down on Tuesday due to “suspicious and unusual activities.”
Additionally, there was an attempted hack on the Senate’s website on Sunday.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 18, 2023
