The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has temporarily taken down its online systems to safeguard Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) data following a ransomware attack, the agency announced on Tuesday.
“While efforts to restore online systems are ongoing, electronic or online systems that issue OECs (overseas employment certificates)/OFW Passes and OFW information sheets and other online services may not be used temporarily,” the DMW stated in an ABS-CBN News report.
Despite the breach, the DMW assured that their databases containing OFW data were not compromised. “Rest assured, DMW databases containing OFW data were not affected by the attack, and that the DMW is currently working with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to restore online systems and ensure continued protection of the data and information of OFWs,” the statement added.
In the meantime, the agency advised applicants for OECs and OFW Passes to visit DMW offices, one-stop shops, and Migrant Workers Assistance Centers for manual processing. For those needing OFW information sheets, requests can be sent to infosheet@dmw.gov.ph or through Facebook Messenger, eliminating the need for physical visits.
“The DMW apologizes for inconveniences to the OFWs and members of their families and is exerting all efforts to continue serving OFWs while instituting stronger measures to protect their information,” the agency said.