System breach hits Philippine Maritime Authority

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) confirmed on Monday that its web-based systems were compromised over the weekend. The breach, affecting four of its systems, prompted immediate action from the agency to safeguard the integrity of its data.

MARINA dispatched personnel to its central office in Manila’s Port Area on Sunday upon detection of the attack. The agency emphasized its swift response to implement protective measures. Currently, MARINA’s IT team is collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC) to investigate the breach and minimize potential impacts on private information.

MARINA did not specify which systems were affected or the extent of the data breach, but its systems manage critical information such as vessel registrations, seafarers’ information documents, and record books. The regulatory body overseeing shipping and seafaring activities aims to restore system functionality by Tuesday to resume processing applications.

This incident follows a series of cyberattacks on Philippine government agencies. In May, the Philippine National Police (PNP) suspended its online services after breaches affected its Logistics Data Information Management System and the Firearms and Explosives Office. Additionally, a ransomware attack in October 2023 compromised the data of at least 13 million Philippine Health Insurance Corp members.