Police Forensic Group databases 'secure' so far, says PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said databases of its Forensic Group remain so far secure following reports of hacking affecting several government agencies.

"As of press time, we can confidently state that all databases of the PNP Forensic Group, including DNA CODIS, IBIS, and AFIS, remain secure and unaffected by any breach," the PNP's Public Information Office said in a statement.

Earlier, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said that the systems of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the PNP were hacked.

It was also reported that Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and the Philippine Statistics Authority were hit by a cyberattack, which also resulted in the leak of some of their data.

The PNP said that upon learning about the issue, it immediately activated its
Data Breach Response Team "to swiftly address the matter."

The Forensic Group is also working closely with the PNP Information Technology Management Service and the Anti-Cybercrime Group "to ensure that this issue is given the utmost attention it deserves," it added.

"We want to assure the public that we have implemented robust cybersecurity measures and are conducting thorough vulnerability tests to further enhance our defenses against unauthorized access," the police force said.

As to the reported hacking incident of its Comprehensive Online Recruitment Encrypting System in April 2023, it said that the investigation revealed that an applicant failed to log out his account after using the computer.

"We immediately took steps to address this issue and alleviate any further concerns," it added.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News