DICT on November 5 cyber threats: Don’t panic

MANILA, Philippines — There’s no need to panic over an expected cyberattack by “hacktivists” tomorrow – the international day of hacktivists, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said yesterday.

In an interview over radio dzBB, Aguda said government agencies and private institutions are equipped with the devices and know-how to counter Distributed Denial of Service or DDoS attacks that hacktivists are expected to stage to sow chaos among users of websites and apps.

Aguda said there is already widespread awareness among local banks, telcos and government agencies on DDoS attacks, and they have already prepared for them.

“Don’t panic,” Aguda said, when asked for his advice to Filipino netizens and users of apps and websites.

“Just let it pass,” Aguda said of possible delays in the loading of websites and apps.

“There is a solution to DDoS (attacks), there are anti-DDoS equipment,” Aguda stressed, adding “our cybersecurity professionals are vigilant.”

He said the public nonetheless needs to be aware of what to anticipate.

“We’re just raising early awareness as a precaution.”