NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Philippine Coast Guard's Facebook Page Hacked
Screengrab from PCG Facebook
The official Facebook page of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) fell victim to a cyber attack on Monday, prompting swift action from the PCG in collaboration with Meta, the company behind Facebook, to regain control.
PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo confirmed the hacking in a statement released on Tuesday, revealing that recovery efforts are currently underway. The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group is actively involved in consultations to address the breach.
Balilo expressed concerns over a potential online security breach through malware, and the Coast Guard Public Affairs (CGPAS) is set to meet with the PCG Weapons, Communications, Electronics, and Information System Command for backend operations to expedite the page recovery process.
The PCG disclosed that the hacking incident occurred at 6 p.m. on Monday and was carried out by an unknown entity. Notably, no digital traces were left on the official email address and the mobile number employed by CGPAS for two-factor authentication.
During the time of the breach, the CGPAS was engaged in a strategic communication plan workshop. The last access and posting on the page were recorded at around 10 a.m., covering the Atimonan maritime incident of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog.
As the investigation progresses, it has been revealed that the hackers have posted three videos on the compromised PCG Facebook page. These videos showcase clips from movies or television shows, raising concerns about the potential motives behind the cyber attack.
The PCG assures the public that every effort is being made to secure the Facebook page and restore its normal operations. Meanwhile, authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify the perpetrators and assess the extent of the breach. The incident serves as a reminder of the growing threats to online security, prompting organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures in the face of evolving digital challenges.
PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo confirmed the hacking in a statement released on Tuesday, revealing that recovery efforts are currently underway. The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group is actively involved in consultations to address the breach.
Balilo expressed concerns over a potential online security breach through malware, and the Coast Guard Public Affairs (CGPAS) is set to meet with the PCG Weapons, Communications, Electronics, and Information System Command for backend operations to expedite the page recovery process.
The PCG disclosed that the hacking incident occurred at 6 p.m. on Monday and was carried out by an unknown entity. Notably, no digital traces were left on the official email address and the mobile number employed by CGPAS for two-factor authentication.
During the time of the breach, the CGPAS was engaged in a strategic communication plan workshop. The last access and posting on the page were recorded at around 10 a.m., covering the Atimonan maritime incident of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog.
As the investigation progresses, it has been revealed that the hackers have posted three videos on the compromised PCG Facebook page. These videos showcase clips from movies or television shows, raising concerns about the potential motives behind the cyber attack.
The PCG assures the public that every effort is being made to secure the Facebook page and restore its normal operations. Meanwhile, authorities are actively pursuing leads to identify the perpetrators and assess the extent of the breach. The incident serves as a reminder of the growing threats to online security, prompting organizations to enhance their cybersecurity measures in the face of evolving digital challenges.
Feb 27, 2024
