Group claims data breach happened at DFA

INFO PROTECTION Some mobile phone users have been warned of possible data privacy breach as they registered their SIM cards. —file photo from Richard A. Reyes

MANILA, Philippines — Cybersecurity group Deep Web Konek claimed a data breach that involved the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) occurred on Wednesday.

In a tweet, Deep Web Konek said, “Sensitive email data [is] now being sold online” following the alleged incident.

“The threat actor, identified as “chengyi,” is reportedly behind this breach. It is currently unknown if the data involves just a single or bulk email,” said the group.

“The Deep Web Konek Team, on its initial findings, found out that the sample provided contains sensitive documents and is marked as confidential documents,” it added.

The cybersecurity group did not provide more information on the supposed breach.

READ: DFA probes new data leak

In a separate message to reporters, the DFA said they have received reports of an alleged data breach, but did not confirm whether or not one indeed took place.Media personnel earlier sought the DFA’s comment regarding Deep Web Konek’s exposé. A question was also raised regarding the extent of the alleged data breach.

“The DFA has received reports of alleged email data being sold online. The Department’s Information and Communications Technology Division is investigating the matter,” Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza said.

No other details were provided by DFA as of posting.