Hackers Demand Ransom for PhilHealth Database
Hackers are demanding $300,000 from the Philippine government amid reports that the database of state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is being sold on the Dark Web. This cyberattack has raised concerns about the security of personal and sensitive information.
Secretary Ivan Uy of the Department of Information and Communications Technology has confirmed that a crack team is investigating the alleged hacking, which was carried out using the Medusa ransomware. He emphasized that the government’s policy is to never pay any ransom or give in to blackmail techniques.
PhilHealth took immediate action by disabling system access to its website and portal after detecting the attack. This is a standard information security measure to prevent further unauthorized access to sensitive data. However, the incident has disrupted the normal operations of the state insurer.
In response, PhilHealth has implemented temporary procedures for members to file benefits and submit contributions while they work on resolving the cyberattack. This ensures that members can still access essential services during this challenging time.
This cyberattack highlights the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and constant vigilance in protecting sensitive information. It serves as a reminder for organizations and individuals to regularly update their security systems and be cautious of potential threats.
TechWizard will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates on the investigation and any further actions taken to secure the PhilHealth database.
