AFP chief deems dark web leak outdated, no threat to PH security
MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said military information reportedly leaked on the dark web are “old files” from a cyberattack in 2021.
FILE PHOTO: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. REUTERS
In a media forum Thursday, Brawner also clarified that files do not contain details that would be “sensitive” to the country’s security.
“We investigated this right away, and we found out that these are old files,” Brawner said in the gathering held in Makati Cty.
“We had a hacking before, I think about two years ago, and some of the files – not really the sensitive files – are still circulating in the dark web,” he also said, adding that the AFP has since stepped up efforts to protect their systems and sites online.
READ: AFP to focus on cyber warfare, says Brawner
“So far, we were able to ward off attacks because we have established our cyber defense,” Brawner continued.
“We’re hoping that we could sustain that; the hackers are always looking for loopholes,” he added.
Several government agencies have fallen victim to cyberattacks recently, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Philippine Statistics Authority, and the Department of Science and Technology.
Just four days ago, or on October 15, hackers defaced the website of the House of Representatives. On Wednesday, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. disclosed a “spike in attacks” on it upper chamber’s website over the weekend.
