A Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official has revealed that the personal data of over 28 million Filipino passport holders are at risk due to a lack of robust cybersecurity measures.
Assistant Secretary Adelio Cruz of the DFA’s Office of Consular Affairs expressed deep concern during a Senate hearing on the department’s proposed 2025 budget. He highlighted the urgent need to protect the sensitive information of millions of Filipinos.
Cruz criticized the government-owned APO Production Unit, which is responsible for passport printing, for its shortcomings in data security. He indicated that the DFA is actively exploring the implementation of a comprehensive cybersecurity system to safeguard passport data and is currently negotiating with various cybersecurity firms.
Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate finance subcommittee, emphasized the gravity of the situation and called for immediate action to address the cybersecurity vulnerability.
The DFA has committed to providing a detailed report to the Senate committee on the status of its cybersecurity efforts in the coming week.
Source: GMA News Online
