Gatchalian urges DICT to probe hacking of gov’t websites

MANILA, Philippines —Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to thoroughly probe the hacking of government websites last on April 1.

A group of local hackers who call themselves Pinoy LulzSec on Monday hacked into the database of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and leaked sensitive information including files on military personnel.

The group also managed to hack into government websites as well as websites of universities and private companies including Ateneo de Zamboanga and the Technological University of the Philippines in Taguig.

“It is very alarming that not only was the group able to hack and deface government websites, they were also able to access and leak sensitive information of the Philippine Army, including the Army’s personnel list,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

The senator also said those responsible for the hacks should be held accountable for their crimes.

He urged government to secure critical information structures and government networks, noting that even the official Senate website does not use a secure connection.

“We should hold the people behind these hacks accountable for their crimes,” Gatchalian said.

“At the same time, the government must also take steps to secure critical information structures and government networks,” he added. /muf