The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that several websites of banks in the country were attacked on November 5. This was part of a global protest day by hackers, but according to the DICT, no successful DDoS attacks occurred until noon that day.
According to DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, the most DDoS attempts were recorded in the banking sector, but no bank has yet experienced operational disruption. Banks are still providing normal services despite the attempted attacks.
The DICT explained that even if there is a successful DDoS attack, no money or data will be stolen. The only effect is that the bank's website or app will be temporarily unavailable. For now, most digital services remain operational.
The DICT also announced its plan to provide a “safe harbor” program for Filipino hackers who want to help the government against foreign threats. Under this program, they will not be arrested if their goal is protecting the country from cyberattacks.
Secretary Uy added that the government's digital bayanihan continues to strengthen the country's cybersecurity. According to him, this is the long-term solution to keep the Philippines' cyberspace safe.
