Brawner: Local, foreign hackers attack AFP networks ‘almost every day’

AFP Chief of Staf Romeo Brawner Jr. during press conference at Philippine Army Officers Clubhouse in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig city, on February 15, 2023. (Photo from Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Local and foreign internet hackers are attempting to breach the network of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “almost everyday” but all of them are unsuccessful.

This information comes from AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

“Maraming mga attempts na i-hack ang mga systems natin,” Brawner said in an ambush interview after a forum in Manila on Thursday.

(There are many attempts to hack our systems.)

“Gusto nilang pasukin ang ating networks, but we’re happy to note that, so far, hindi naman naging successful,” he added.

(They want to enter our networks, but we’re happy to note that, so far, the attempts did not become successful.)

“We experience this almost everyday,” Brawner also said of cyber attacks, adding that “some of the attacks are foreign [while] some of them are local.”

AFP’s computer system was hacked in 2021, which led to the reported leak of files in the dark web, or parts of the internet that are only accessible with a specialized browser, according to the top military official.

Brawner, however, said the leaked files were “old” and are not “sensitive” to the country’s national security.

Several government agencies have fallen victim to cyberattacks recently, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Philippine Statistics Authority and Department of Science and Technology.

On October 15, hackers deface the website of the House of Representatives while on Wednesday, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. disclosed a “spike in attacks” in the chamber’s website over the weekend.

RELATED STORIES:

AFP to focus on cyber warfare — Brawner

AFP chief deems dark web leak outdated, no threat to PH security

APL