MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine National Police (PNP) has temporarily shut down all its data systems following reports that its Firearms and Explosives Office’s (FEO) data system was breached and compromised stored personal data.
PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo only confirmed that there was indeed an attempt to breach FEO’s system but clarified that the organization’s Information Technology Services (ITMS) is still validating the extent of the said threat.
“Na-shut down po ngayon lahat ng PNP systems particularly mga frontline service natin tulad ng FEO. As of now po, kausap ko po mismo yung ITMS personnel, ongoing pa po yung validation and assessment and investigation po ng ating Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG),” Fajardo said in a press briefing.
(PNP systems were all shut down, particularly frontline services in units like FEO. As of now, the ACG’s validation, assessment, and investigation are ongoing as per the ITMS.)
“Napabalita din nga po bago matapos yung linggo na nagkaroon din po ng attempt to breach yun pong FEO sa data system,” she added.
(Before the week ended, reports also revealed an attempt to breach the FEO data system.)
Fajardo likewise revealed that ITMS requested at least a week to investigate the threat before restoring PNP’s online service.
“Hopefully, within a week, we can put up additional enhanced security to protect the systems,” Fajardo said.
According to Fajardo, the individual behind the threat in the FEO data system is the same one who attempted to breach PNP’s logistics, data, information, and management system last week.