BOMBO DAGUPAN – The recent hacking of 93 government and private company websites in the Philippines was not executed by a single individual nor did it occur within a single year. This assertion comes from Wilson Chua, Managing Director and co-founder of BITSTOP Incorporated, following the arrest of a data security officer, known by the alias “Kangkong.”
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Dagupan, Chua provided insights into the extensive breach, highlighting the shared responsibility of the hacked entities in fortifying their cybersecurity measures.
He pointed out that many organizations lacked a dedicated data security officer to vigilantly monitor and manage their networks, making them susceptible to cyber-attacks.
Gaps in Cybersecurity
Chua stressed that the absence of continuous monitoring and proactive defense mechanisms is a significant vulnerability.
“The lack of a dedicated data security officer in many government agencies and private companies has contributed to the gradual theft of sensitive data”
Wilson Chua
Managing Director and co-founder of BITSTOP Incorporated
He elaborated that hackers often exploit these weaknesses during weekends or extended holiday periods when vigilance is typically lower. “If there were personnel dedicated to monitoring the websites around the clock, it would be much more difficult for hackers to penetrate their information systems,” he added.
The Arrest of ‘Kangkong’
The arrest of “Kangkong,” the data security officer implicated in the hacking incidents, revealed that the breach was far more complex than initially understood. While “Kangkong” admitted to hacking, it was uncovered that his activities spanned several years and involved multiple collaborators. Initially driven by curiosity, “Kangkong” eventually honed his skills, mastering various techniques to infiltrate websites, particularly those with servers based overseas.
A Coordinated Effort
Chua believes that the scale and sophistication of the attacks indicate the involvement of multiple hackers rather than a lone individual.
“The nature of these breaches suggests a coordinated effort, with different individuals specializing in various aspects of the attack,” he explained.
This theory aligns with the pattern of the attacks, which appeared to be systematic and well-organized.
The Path Forward
In light of these events, Chua urges both government and private sectors to invest more in cybersecurity infrastructure. He recommends the establishment of dedicated security teams tasked with continuous monitoring and rapid response to potential threats.
“Cybersecurity is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and adaptation to new threats”
Wilson Chua
The hacking incidents serve as a wake-up call for organizations to reassess their security protocols and implement more robust measures to safeguard their data. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the need for comprehensive and proactive security strategies becomes ever more critical.
The hacking of 93 websites underscores the vulnerabilities present in many organizations’ cybersecurity frameworks. As investigations continue, the focus shifts to improving defenses and preventing future breaches.
Wilson Chua’s insights highlight the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity, advocating for continuous monitoring and the presence of dedicated security officers to protect sensitive information from cyber threats.
