DMW takes pre-emptive measures after ransomware attack

THE DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) has decided to take its electronic systems offline following a ransomware attack to protect data of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the globe.

In an advisory Tuesday, the DMW said it, however, activated other systems and processes to ensure continuous delivery of services to OFWs.

“As a result of a ransomware attack on DMW online systems, the Department through its Management Information Technology System had to take pre-emptive measures to protect OFW data and information, such as taking the systems offline,” the advisory read.

The DMW said issuance of the electronic or online systems Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) and OFW Passes, as well as the OFW information sheets and other online services, are temporarily unavailable while efforts to restore the online systems are ongoing.

It said the OFWs who need to secure their OECs and OFW Pass may proceed to the DMW National Office, Regional Offices and extensions, One-stop Shops, and Migrant Workers Assistance Centers to manually process them.

However, the OFWs securing their information sheets need not go to any DMW office, instead, they may send their request for information sheets by sending an email to infosheet@dmw.gov.ph or send a direct message via the DMW Facebook page messenger https://web.facebook.com/dmw.gov.ph.

Upon receipt of their request, the DMW will send QR-coded information sheets directly to the requesting worker.

The DMW has coordinated with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the airport authorities to facilitate the smooth departure of OFWs.

The DMW apologized to the OFWs and members of their families for the inconvenience, as they assure that all efforts are being exerted to continue serving OFWs while instituting stronger measures to protect their information.

“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 to restore online systems and ensure continued protection of the data and information of OFWs,” it said. (Marita Moaje)