Deep Web Konek Cybersecurity Report 2024
A comprehensive cybersecurity report released by Deep Web Konek, a Manila-based advocacy organization, has reported a sharp rise in cyber incidents across the Philippines in 2024.
The report, titled “EXPOSED: Deep Web Konek’s Analysis of 2024 Cybersecurity Incidents,” reveals 201 verified cases of data breaches, website defacements, ransomware attacks, and other cyber threats targeting government agencies, educational institutions, private companies, and other organizations.
According to the report, 130 incidents occurred between January and June 2024, with an additional 71 incidents recorded in the latter half of the year. The data, gathered through investigations and public information analysis, underscores the persistent vulnerabilities in the country’s cybersecurity landscape.
Key Findings
- Data Breaches: A staggering 160 incidents were reported, impacting entities such as the Department of Education, Philippine National Police, and major corporations including Jollibee, Maxicare, and Toyota.
- Website Defacements: Eleven government websites were targeted, signaling a trend of hacktivist activity.
- Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: Twenty-two cases disrupted educational institutions and local government units.
- Ransomware Attacks: High-profile victims included JG Summit Inc., SunTrust Properties Inc., and the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Inc., illustrating the devastating potential of ransomware on operations and data integrity.
- Malicious Web Scraping: Eleven incidents targeted local government unit websites, reflecting a rising threat to public sector data.
The attacks were attributed to a variety of threat actors, including groups like DeathNote Hackers, Philippine Exodus Security, XSOS, and ph1ns. Their motivations ranged from hacktivism to financially-driven crimes, showcasing diverse technical capabilities and objectives.
Marko Santiago, Deep Web Konek’s Director for External Affairs, emphasized the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures.
“This report serves as a wake-up call for the Philippines to treat cyber threats with urgency,” Santiago stated. “The scale and frequency of these attacks demonstrate the critical need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and investments to safeguard our nation’s critical infrastructure and sensitive data.”
Deep Web Konek has called for enhanced collaboration among government agencies, private enterprises, and the cybersecurity community. This includes strengthening defenses, improving incident response capabilities, and fostering knowledge sharing to combat the evolving threat landscape.
As the Philippines continues its digital transformation, addressing these cybersecurity challenges has become paramount. A collaborative, multi-pronged approach is essential to ensure the nation’s resilience against growing cyber threats. By prioritizing investments in technology, workforce training, and policy reforms, the Philippines can build a more secure and sustainable digital ecosystem.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in the nation’s digital infrastructure and the collective effort required to mitigate these risks.
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