If China is behind hacking attempts, file diplomatic protest, says group

Cybercrime/hacking. (Stock image/INQUIRER file)

MANILA, Philippines — The hacking attempts on websites of some government agencies should be investigated as they may be state-sponsored by China, a digital advocacy network warned.

This suspicion comes after Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Saturday said the attempts targeted its domains.

Perpetrators also tried to breach the computer systems of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Coast Guard, and President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s official website.

The activities have been traced back to internet protocol (IP) addresses located in China.

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said given the tension between Manila and Beijing on West Philippine Sea, Philippine government must look into the possibility that the cyber attacks might have been done by Chinese government.

“The government should check if the attack is a state-backed attack because if it is, it should warrant, at least, a diplomatic protest,” Gustilo said in a statement on Sunday.

“The government should not leave no stone unturned on this matter as the timing of this attack and the tension in the West Philippine Sea makes it hard to believe that this is all coincidental,” he noted.

Ill-prepared

However, while the cyber attacks may have originated from China, Gustilo noted government officials, whose agencies’ domains were breached, must be held accountable.

“With the previous incidents of breaches on government sites, the state should have prepared better,” he said.

Gustilo pointed out this is not the first time government agencies fell victim to cyber attacks.

He recalled the previous data breach in the records of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“It is utterly disappointing and concerning that it seems that these agencies have not learned their lesson. This new incident is unacceptable,” he said.