Malware causes shutdown of DMW online services

MANILA, Philippines — A ransomware attack has forced the Department of Migrant Workers’ (DMW) to shut down its online services to protect the data of registered overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“While efforts to restore online systems are ongoing, electronic or online systems that issue OECs /OFW Passes and OFW information sheets and other online services may not be used temporarily,” the DMW said in a statement on Tuesday.

READ: NBI nabs alleged cybercrime group selling hacked data from Comelec

OECs refer to Overseas Employment Certificates while OFW Passes are the online version of the OEC. “Rest assured, DMW databases containing OFW data were not affected by the attack,” it added. The DMW said it had already coordinated with the Department of Information and Communication Technology to restore its online systems.

It advised those seeking OECs/OFW Passes to go to the DMW national Office, regional offices and extensions, one-stop shops and Migrant Workers Assistance Centers for manual processing. For OFWs securing their information sheets, they should send an email message to [email protected] for further instructions. —Jacob Lazaro