DICT probes 1.4M hacking attempts on gov websites over weekend

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is investigating approximately 1.4 million hacking attempts on government websites over the weekend, a period marked by nationwide protests against corruption.

Of these attempts, 19 government websites were defaced, including those managed by the DICT, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Bureau of Customs, Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), and 15 local government units.

ARTA confirmed its Policy Reform, Innovation, and Streamlining Management (PRISM) online learning platform was defaced with a modified Philippine flag and a statement criticizing the government over flood control projects.

ARTA emphasized that while it supports transparency, hacking is not an acceptable means of reporting issues and pointed to lawful channels like the 'Sumbong sa Pangulo' platform.

No sensitive or confidential information was compromised, and the government agencies were quick to react to the defacements.

The DICT is investigating a possible link to the group 'AnonymousPH,' which has denied involvement, and is pursuing a person of interest.

The DICT also clarified that the eGov PH App was not breached, but a separately managed third-party system, the eComplaints system, was involved.