DICT warns of possible cyberattack on Nov. 5. Here’s what you can do

The Department of Information and Communications Technology warned the public of a possible global cyberattack supposedly scheduled on Nov. 5. 

In a Nov. 2 Facebook post, the DICT said this “Distributed Denial of Service” (DDoS) or “traffic flood” may cause the loading of some websites or apps to pause or slow down temporarily. Describing it as a “traffic jam” on the internet, it explained that this may happen if hackers simultaneously attack one particular website or app. 

The agency clarified that the public’s personal accounts, data, and money will remain safe. 

In case your online activities are affected by the DDoS, the DICT suggested the following actions:

• Wait a bit, then refresh the website or app.
• Use the official app or the status page of the website.
• Check verified updates. 

You may also report the incident to the DICT via email—1326@dict.gov.ph—or their hotline: 1326. 

The DICT is forbidding the public from taking part in any illegal online attack. 

The department is reassuring everyone of an inter-agency effort to keep Filipinos cybersafe. Under Oplan Cyberdrome, DICT is coordinating with Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and law enforcement agencies. 

The DICT’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) Division, which is under the department’s Cybersecurity Bureau, is monitoring the situation 24/7, according to DICT. 

"Manatili tayong alerto, kalmado, at responsable sa paggamit ng internet. Together, let’s keep the Philippines #CyberSafe," it added.