Philippines Repels Cyber Assaults Allegedly Originating from China

In a recent cybersecurity confrontation, the Philippines successfully defended against a series of attempted cyber intrusions believed to be orchestrated by hackers based in China. These digital assailants targeted a range of high-profile online assets, including the personal website of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, as well as the official portals of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the National Coast Watch, a body dedicated to maritime security. However, their efforts were thwarted, leaving the intended digital fortresses intact.

Renato Paraiso, a spokesperson for the DICT, revealed these developments during an interview with DWPM radio. Paraiso noted that while the attackers’ attempts were persistent throughout January, they ultimately failed to breach the digital defenses of the targeted entities. He clarified that, despite tracing the attacks to China-based internet protocol addresses, the department refrains from officially accusing any state entity of involvement. The hackers were notably identified as users of services provided by Chinese state-owned telecom giant Unicom.

In light of these events, Paraiso extended a plea to the Chinese government, urging collaboration to fend off future cyber incursions. However, responses from both Unicom and the Chinese embassy in Manila remain pending.

The timing of these attempted cyber attacks coincides with a period of escalated geopolitical tension between the Philippines and China, primarily revolving around territorial disputes in the South China Sea. In response to the evolving cyber threat landscape, the Philippines is proactively crafting a comprehensive five-year cybersecurity strategy. This strategic initiative aims to fortify the nation’s cyber defenses and enhance its capacity to counter digital crimes effectively. Complementing this, the Philippine military disclosed plans last year to establish a dedicated cyber command, signaling a heightened commitment to national cybersecurity readiness.