PNP restarts FEO computer system after alleged breach

INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — After shutting down all its data systems due to a reported breach, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said its Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) restarted its computer system and conducted a test run as part of its ongoing assessment.

According to PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo on Monday, the PNP is investigating 15 of its systems — 14 operational ones, including FEO’s system.

READ: PNP chief orders all police units to intensify measures vs cyber attacks

“The assessment and validation are still ongoing. But today, we put the FEO system back up na po for a test run to make that it won’t happen again,” Fajardo said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino, in a press briefing.

Last May 21, the PNP temporarily shut down all of its systems following reports that the FEO data was breached and this event compromised stored personal data.

Fajardo confirmed that there was indeed an attempt to breach FEO’s system, but she clarified that the organization’s Information Technology Services is still validating the extent of the transgression.

READ: PNP shuts down data systems following breach threat

She also claimed that 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 early last month.

To combat the alleged threat, the PNP official said they conducted an operation, implemented two-factor authentication in all its data systems, and used intrusion detection and prevention procedures.