The Department of Education (DepEd) is currently analyzing its systems following reports of potential data breaches. Allegedly, hackers have acquired 750 gigabytes of sensitive information, including banking details, related to students, teachers, and more.
Cybersecurity group DeepWeb Konek revealed that a “threat actor” on the dark web claimed to have extracted the data from a specific DepEd office. The threat actor hinted at not releasing the data publicly immediately but may consider sharing curated information later.
DepEd issued a statement, stating that it is actively verifying the alleged hack. Field offices have been instructed to conduct diagnostics to confirm the breach. The department emphasized ongoing coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during the investigation.
Although the dark web post did not specify the targeted government agency, the DICT has narrowed down its investigation to a particular DepEd regional office. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center is also involved in examining the reported breach.
Recent incidents, including bomb threats via email and the approval of a National Cybersecurity Plan by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., highlight the increasing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in the country.
The Department of Justice and other law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing operations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Concerns regarding the security of sensitive data persist. How can institutions better fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats?