Bureau of Customs website hacked

FILE: Screenshot of customs.gov.ph (Photo: PNA)

MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is now coordinating with the appropriate agency in connection with the unauthorized intrusion into its website by some unscrupulous individuals.

In a statement, Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero on Tuesday reported that the bureau’s website has been hacked.

He noted that the incident is an attempt by criminals to derail the computerization program of the bureau designed to promote efficiency, transparency and eradicate graft and corruption.

The BOC chief said they have reported the hacking to the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-PH) under the Cybersecurity Bureau of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The Bureau’s website is hosted by the DICT.

At the same time, Guerrero assured the public that its electronic-to-mobile (E2M) computer system remains intact and secure.

He added that there is no disruption in the operations of the bureau.

The E2M system part of the automation program of the BOC, simplifying customs procedures to further facilitate trade in the country.

CERT-PH is mandated to provide pro-active government countermeasures to address and anticipate all domestic and transnational incidents affecting the Philippine cyberspace and any cybersecurity threats to the country.