NHMFC reports possible data breach in application systems

MANILA, Philippines — The National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), an agency mandated to increase the availability of affordable housing for Filipinos, said that its application systems faced a possible data breach.

In a notice posted on its website on Thursday, the agency advised that there has been a “malicious attempt” to access its application systems and that they have “reason to believe that there may have been a data breach” on the systems.

An investigation and assessment are already ongoing, the NHMFC said.

“We advise you to change your passwords and exercise the necessary precautions when transacting business online,” the notice read.

It added that the public must be “cautious when accessing websites or links, as well as in giving information via online platforms and other means, such as phone calls or e-mails.”

The NHMFC further warned internet users not to open emails from unknown senders and to verify websites and links that they are accessing.

The website and Facebook page of the NHMFC remain accessible as of posting time.

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Corporate Planning and Management Information Systems Manager Rajewen Zabala told INQUIRER.net, “As of this time, the threat has been arrested, measures were in place, that is why the hacking was not able to penetrate our database, which is in fact available.

“All our systems are working properly as normal. The announcement is a precautionary measure to advise our borrowers to take precautions as well. We are in coordination with CERT [Community Emergency Response Team], no leads as of time being,” she added.

Zabala noted that the Office of the President of the NHMFC will also issue another statement regarding the matter.