Home Crime Cyber Attack Disrupts Department of Migrant Workers’ Online Services

Cyber Attack Disrupts Department of Migrant Workers’ Online Services

Department of Migrant Workers dmw-office

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines was forced to shut down its online systems early Tuesday following a ransomware attack, potentially affecting thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The cyberattack prompted the agency to take swift action, implementing pre-emptive measures to safeguard OFW data and information. As a result, several critical online services, including the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC), OFW passes, and information sheets, have been temporarily suspended.

“Our primary concern is the protection of our workers’ data,” said a DMW spokesperson. “We want to assure the public that our databases containing OFW information were not compromised in this attack.”

The agency is currently collaborating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology to restore online systems and bolster security measures. However, the duration of the service interruption remains unclear.

To mitigate the impact on OFWs, the DMW has implemented contingency plans:

  1. Workers requiring OECs or OFW passes can visit the DMW National Office, Regional Offices, One-stop Shops, or Migrant Workers Assistance Centers for manual processing.
  2. Those needing information sheets can email their requests to infosheet@dmw.gov.ph, with the agency promising to send QR-coded documents directly to the workers.

The DMW is also working closely with the Bureau of Immigration and airport authorities to ensure smooth departures for OFWs during this period of disruption.

This incident highlights the growing threat of cyberattacks on government institutions and the potential impact on citizens relying on digital services. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the origin of the attack and the broader implications for data security in the Philippines’ public sector.

The DMW has urged OFWs to remain patient and vigilant, promising regular updates as the situation develops.