Warnings Issued by CICC and DICT Regarding False Hacks

Recent warnings were issued by CICC (Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center) and DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) about false data breach data posted on dark web forums. They reiterated how folks in the community should exercise caution especially about several fake eGovPH hacks in several anonymous posts.

According to CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos, much of the posts seen in breach forums was nothing but a fake hack claim made to defraud other members in the community by stating they have data from the eGovPH app. They also specifically identified a user with the handle GR3GGM3RC3R who did this.  Meanwhile, DICT's Undersecretary for E-Government David Almirol assured the public how the app is protected from these because of several security features they implemented during its inception. The app has encruption, eGovChain security, and attached keys for what data it has, and if someone claims to have hacked it, and doesn't have that key, their claim wouldn't be legitimate.

For those who don't know, Breach Forums gained fame for cybercriminals and hackers who are into trading stolen data. Often using anonymized platforms, they use it to steal personal data. The user identified was banned recently and wasn't able to provide proof of said eGovPH hack. The place is also known for ransomware attacks, and these agencies warn folks who might fall prey with the false news.

This warning is issued by CICC's Office of the Executive Director, Alexander Ramos.

Pushing Conversations: ALLIANCE of TECH INNOVATORS for the NATION

Had a great time over at Diamond Hotel for the event of Alliance of Tech Innovators for the Nation (ATIN), an organization who's goal is to bring government, private institutions and communities together for innovations in the digital front. As of 2021, The Philippines has earmarked the biggest growth among other ASEAN countries so it's apt to hold their launch here together with stakeholders, industry experts and government officials this April 12th. 

Pushing for inclusive growth, ATIN reiterates the importance of its 3 pillars, namely education and skills training, digital adoption and innovation and harnessing digital trade opportunities. Monchito Ibrahim is its Lead Convenor after his stint as an Undersecretary of the DICT.

He says "I want to tell you what the ATIN stands for, and what to expect in the horizon. The pandemic has brought up on huge change in the economy, our adoption has changed day to day lives including shopping, business, even government dealings. We needed to optimize, we had to transform to provide essential services. The next ten years will make ASEAN have the biggest growth according to studies. We remain on track as checked last year. The PH alone added 20 Million internet penetration and has opened a lot of opportunities for workers, internet jobs, merchants, entrepreneurs, and made 20 percent year on year, and potentially earn billions come 2030. The Filipino workers started to work in the digital space when lockdowns happened. Online stores amount to 88574 businesses registered in the last year alone. It should be inclusive, a society approach is essential to democratize it and benefit everyone, leaving nobody behind."

Hon. David Almirol the DICT Undersecretary says "We have 37 projects on DICT but want to emphasize 6. We have the eGov Super app, eLGU, eGovCloud, eTravel and more. The eGov PH give citizens access to mandated government services, a portal to have ease of doing business in one place. We were able to combine it on one platform. The benefits will go to people, the first time to unify solutions of government agencies without disturbing their current platforms. Your National ID, SSS, BIR, DTI, DOT, LTO, etc all by downloading one app. We assisted and made it happen."

This is just the start of a planned environment of policy and regulatory discussions to drive even more participation from Filipinos and our ASEAN neighbors to foster initiatives for growth with the public and private sectors help. This would be done through the first ATIN Digital Economy Summit 2023 which hopes to benefit MSME's improve their digital infrastructure and help even more communities.

DICT Launches Tech Workshops with Huawei Philippines

Looks like the Department of Information and Communications Technology just made headway wit their workshops this year. They are hosting this for government employees from various agencies and it's all about the 6 emerging technologies, of which 700 participants have joined in. This has gone from June to November of 2021 and has covered important subjects such as 5G Networks, the Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity among others.

Assistant Secretary Alvin Navarro has lauded the DICT and Huawei Philippines for holding this in the country. He adds "Cybersecurity has indeed affected us and we need to work together to make sure our personal information and identity remain safe amidst the threats and risks around the world."

Huawei's VP Daniel Guo congratulated the teams for holding a successful run. DICT also presented Huawei a certificate of appreciation for hosting the event and sharing their technical know how about the topics in the workshops. This is a really good partnership. If you want to know more about it, you may follow HuaweiTechPH on Facebook for updates about their efforts too.