The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has taken swift action to protect the personal data of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after a ransomware attack prompted the agency to shut down its online systems. While the attack may have caused inconvenience, the DMW has activated new protocols to cater to the daily transaction needs of OFWs to ensure that their information remains safe and secure.
Manual Processing at Department of Migrant Workers Offices
In a statement on Tuesday, the DMW said OFW data remains secure despite the cyber incident. The agency took its Management Information Technology System offline as a precautionary measure to protect worker information.
To minimize disruption from the attack, the DMW activated manual processing of Overseas Employment Certificates and OFW passes at its national and regional offices, one-stop shops, and Migrant Workers Assistance Centers. The DMW stated, “As a result of a ransomware attack on DMW online systems, the Department through its Management Information Technology System had to take pre-emptive measures to protect OFW data and information, such as taking the systems offline.
OFWs can visit these locations to obtain necessary documents while online systems are unavailable. The DMW has also established an email-based system for OFWs requiring access to information sheets. Rather than physically visiting DMW offices, workers can send requests to [email protected]. The agency will then email QR-coded information sheets directly to the requesting OFW.
Alternatively, OFWs can submit requests via the DMW’s Facebook page Messenger. By taking these measures, the DMW said it is ensuring that OFWs can continue to access the services they need while it works to restore its systems online. The agency is also coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration and airport authorities to facilitate the smooth departure of OFWs.
The DMW has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the attack and is working to restore its online systems and implement stronger measures to protect the information of OFWs.
In a statement on social media, the DMW said, “Rest assured, DMW databases containing OFW data were not affected by the attack, and that the DMW is currently working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to restore online systems and ensure continued protection of the data and information of OFWs.”
Philippines Cyber Attacks
The Philippines has observed an increased number of cyber attacks in recent times, prompting a call for increased government measures to strengthen the nation’s digital infrastructure to reduce such campaigns. A recent bill – House Bill 8199 – would implement the Department of Information and Communications Technology to bolster the Philippine National Cyber Security Plan, or NCSP.
Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan pushed for approval within the House of Representatives for the new bill earlier this year. He stated, “This measure complements the NCSP and is a good jump-off point in accomplishing one of its primary objectives, which is to ensure convergence among all government agencies in protecting our country from cyber attacks.”
Brian offered support for reports that the Philippines President Marcos, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida were establishing joint plans to establish a cyber defense framework during an earlier trilateral summit.
Several government agencies have also discussed measures to bolster their cybersecurity capabilities, including a unified system for setting up minimum security standards, monitoring of systems, and detection and mitigation of threats.
