PNP Forensic Group’s databases remain intact

MANILA, Philippines — The databases of the Philippine National Police’s Forensic Group remain intact following reports of an alleged hacking of its system, the PNP said yesterday.

PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said the Forensic Group’s DNA, Combined DNA Index System, Integrated Ballistics Identification System and Automated Fingerprint Identification System are all intact.

“We want to assure the public that we have implemented robust cyber security measures and are conducting thorough vulnerability tests to further enhance our defenses against unauthorized access,” Fajardo said in a statement.

The Forensic Group earlier sought the assistance of the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) in its probe to find out if its system was really hacked.

When reports came out that the Forensic Group’s system could have been compromised, the PNP activated its data breach response team to address the issue, according to Fajardo.

On the reported hacking of the PNP’s Comprehensive Online Recruitment Encrypting System last April, Fajardo said their investigation showed that it was only caused by an applicant’s oversight in failing to log out of their account.

“We immediately took steps to address this issue and alleviate any further concerns,” she added.

Fajardo assured the public the PNP is fully committed to combating threats and ensuring cyber security in digital spaces remains their top priority. — Rhodina Villanueva