DND denies data breach, says systems still secure

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday denied the report on supposed data breach on its systems and said that they remain secure and functional.

“Contrary to a recent news report, the Department of National Defense has not monitored any data breach over the weekend, and its systems remain secure and fully functional,” the DND said in a statement.

“The DND, along with its bureaus, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, continues to implement its cybersecurity to prevent attempts by malign actors to illegally access our ICT systems and infrastructure,” it added.

Cybersecurity advocacy group Deep Web Konek earlier reported an alleged cybersecurity breach in the department, which was committed by a group that identified itself as "Philippine Exodus Security."

According to the report, the group allegedly secured “highly confidential documents” of the DND as well as the Philippine Army.

The Philippine Army confirmed on Monday that there was an attempt to breach its cyber network but it clarified that it was not a hacking incident.

According to the Philippine Army, there was an "illegal access."

“The Philippine Army has detected and acknowledged the illegal access attempt of a certain group to breach the PA network. The PA already identified this group and [is]currently conducting counter-measures to prevent such cybersecurity incidents in the future,” Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said.

“Moving forward, the PA continues to strengthen its cyber defense capabilities through the PA Cyber Security Enhancement Program which is a key component of our modernization thrust,” he added. — RF, GMA Integrated News