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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DICT chief not ruling out SCS dispute link to gov't cyberattacks

DICT chief not ruling out SCS dispute link to gov't cyberattacks

Published Feb 8, 2024 05:29 am

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy is not dismissing the possibility that the cyberattacks launched over three weeks ago against government websites may be linked to the South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China.

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DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy answers questions from the media during a Malacañang briefing on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. (RTVM screenshot)

During a Palace press briefing, the official said that they are still investigating the source of the attacks.

“Well, that’s not for us to come out with that conclusion yet. It’s too early but anything is possible,” he pointed out after being asked if he can rule out the possibility that the hacking was influenced by the territorial disputes.

He said this after DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy revealed that they have traced the hacking of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) website from an undisclosed location in China.

“So, we just need to, I think, currently take it on face value and see how things develop. In cyber investigations and analyzing all of these, we never rule out anything,” Uy said.

“Everything is in the realm of possible but we always maintain open arms,” he added.

The DICT official also stressed they are ready to coordinate with “anyone who wants to cooperate” after China reached out to investigate the issue.

“You know, we don’t reject those offers and then see where we go from here,” he furthered.

Last weekend, the DICT revealed attempts to hack the websites of OWWA, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and President Marcos’ official website.

The agency, however, quelled the attack and traced the internet protocol (IP) address to a location in China.

This claim was since denied by the Chinese Embassy in Manila and criticized “some Filipino officials and the media” for spreading what they called “groundless accusations.”

Since then, the embassy has reached out to the DICT “to ask if we can do some cooperation,” Uy said, adding that China said it is “willing to help” and had asked them for more information to search for the perpetrators.

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Department of Information and Communications Technology Cyberattacks South China Sea Ivan John Uy
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