Boost cybersecurity, hackers tell DICT as they breach its system

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has suffered a data breach targeting its Disaster Risk Reduction Management Division (DRRMD). Cybersecurity watchdog Deep Web Konek reported on Tuesday morning the hack, with a threat actor known as “ph1ns,” claiming responsibility for the attack. The bad actor left a message on the compromised subdomain, highlighting various political grievances and calling for the Philippines government to enhance its cybersecurity measures.

In the message, “ph1ns” thanked certain political figures while expressing discontent over the government’s handling of various issues, including the alleged identity revelation of Guo Hua Ping or Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac. The hacker also criticized the government’s approach to the South China Sea dispute and the war on drugs, and took the opportunity to issue a stern warning about the nation’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities. “To complete my message, this attack is not only to seek for my country’s reputation but also to strengthen my country’s cyber defenses by humiliating them,” the message read.



“Let’s make a wake-up call for every citizen.” DICT Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso Jr. confirmed that the department’s DRRMD was hacked.

“There were reports earlier that the DICT was hacked, this was partially true. One of our units in the DICT was indeed breached—hackers were able to access one of our systems, one of the external units, particular.