Gov’t websites have great appeal for cyber hackers – exec

Government websites are like “exams” or a “graduation” for hackers that’s why they are always being attacked, according to Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) official.  FILE HACKER STOCK IMAGE / REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines — Government websites are like “exams” or a “graduation” for hackers that’s why they are always being attacked, a Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) official said Thursday.

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, CICC Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Magsaysay said government websites have a great appeal for hackers.

“Basta kapag government, yummy – iyan talaga ang pinipilit giyerahin ng bawat ano. Parang iyan ba iyong kanilang exams,”she  said when asked how often government websites are hacked.

(As long as it’s a government site, it’s yummy – that’s what every hacker tries to attack. It’s like their exams.)

READ: PH faces more cyberattacks from China-based hackers

Magsaysay likewise said hackers know that governments should be equipped to defend their websites.

“Talagang inaatake tayo day-in, day-out – lahat, encompassing left to right, maski maliliit na LGUs (local government units),” said Magsaysay.

(We are really being attacked day-in, day-out – everyone, encompassing left to right, even small LGUs.)

Also speaking at the public briefing, CICC Highly Technical Consultant Drexx Lagui said artificial intelligence (AI) is helping hackers too.

READ: Hackers deface website of House of Representatives

According to Lagui, AI could be used to read Philippine laws to look for legal loopholes and remedies.

“Kung mahuli man sila, ano iyong kanilang puwedeng gawing legal tactic para hindi sila mapako sa korte. Isa iyon sa mga pwede nilang gawin,” he said, referring to hackers’ use of AI.

(If they are caught, what legal tactics can they use so that they don’t get pinned in court. That’s one of the things they can do.)

Several high-profile Philippine websites were hacked in recent months, including the web pages of the House of Representatives and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.