Philippines successfully wards off cyber attacks from China-based hackers, say top officials

The thwarted cyber attacks came at a time of heightened tensions with China. - PHOTO: REUTERS

MANILA (Reuters): Hackers operating in China attempted to break into websites and e-mail systems of the Philippine's president and government agencies, one promoting maritime security, but failed, an information and communications ministry official said on Monday.

The mailboxes of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the website of National Coast Watch, and the personal website of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr were among the targets of the unsuccessful hacking operations in January, DICT spokesperson Renato Paraiso told DWPM radio.