AFTER an attempted hack on the PNP Logistics Data Information and Management System last week, the PNP Fire and Explosives Office (PNP-FEO) has now also fallen victim to a data breach.
PNP Public Information Office Chief Police Colonel Jean Fajardo confirmed the alarming incident, especially given the sensitive information they hold from their personnel to other major personalities in the country.
PNP system temporarily shut down due to data breach
In response, all systems of the national police are currently shut down to facilitate an ongoing investigation into the extent of the data affected by the breach.
“All PNP systems, particularly our frontline services like FEO, are now shut down. As of now, I have spoken directly with ITMS personnel, and the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is ongoing with validation, assessment, and investigation,” said Col. Jean Fajardo
Chief, PNP-PIO.
The Information Technology System (ITMS) of the national police has requested a week’s extension for their investigation to determine the scope of the compromised information held by the PNP.
“Hopefully, within a week, we can implement additional enhanced security to protect the systems,” Fajardo added.
It has been discovered that the personal information of Information and Technology Secretary Ivan Uy has also been leaked by the hacker, along with the names of some senators and other prominent personalities in the country.
In an interview with SMNI, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy mentioned that they believe a single person or group is behind this and other recent hacking incidents involving government agencies.
“The suspect or group of suspects is identified as ‘PH1NS,’ and this alias ‘PH1NS’ is also responsible for attacking other government agencies,” Usec. Jeffrey Ian Dy, DICT stated.
The DICT believes that the individuals behind the attempted hacks on PNP systems and other government agencies are highly skilled and have carefully studied how to infiltrate vital data.
“The person who admitted targeting the PNP has two attributes. [First], they have technical skills and are not amateurs but professional testers. Second, they write well and document their activities, communicating only to two specific groups or individuals about their actions. [Third], they are very patient and consistent. I think this is their only job,” Dy added.
Similar entities behind gov’t data breaches—DICT
Meanwhile, besides other government agencies, the AFP is open to assisting the PNP if needed with their cybersecurity capabilities.
AFP ready to assist PNP after data breach
The AFP admits that, like the PNP, they also safeguard vital information related to operations and data within the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“So far, we have not received any request from the PNP, but we are willing to assist them….,” Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, Spokesperson, AFP stressed.
The AFP estimates that they monitor thousands of cyber-attacks on their systems, which they manage to block promptly to prevent any information leaks.
