Benguet Facebook Pages Hacked: What You Need to Know

On September 27, 2023, the official Facebook pages of the Benguet Provincial Government encountered a cyberattack. This means that hackers gained control of these pages. Let's break down what happened and what steps you should take:

What Occurred?

• The Facebook pages of the Benguet government, namely PIO Benguet and BIYAG, were hacked. This means that someone unauthorized got access and could post anything.

Immediate Actions Taken:

• The government responded swiftly and reported the issue to Meta (Facebook's parent company) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
• An investigation is currently underway to identify the culprits behind the hacking and bring them to justice.

What You Should Do:

• Avoid engaging with the hacked pages. Refrain from liking, sharing, or commenting on posts from these accounts.
• Exercise caution when consuming information from these pages. Verify it from trusted sources or await official announcements.
• For any concerns or questions, contact the Office of the Provincial Governor through email at benguet.governor@gmail.com or call 422-2004/422-2609.

How the Hack Happened

Although the cyberattack on the Facebook pages of the Benguet Provincial Government was announced on September 27, 2023, it may have taken place earlier. Our initial investigation suggests that the hackers may have employed various tactics. These include exploiting security vulnerabilities in the pages, using phishing techniques, installing malware, or employing social engineering methods to compromise the accounts.

A surprising development is that the hacked pages are now sharing viral videos, a significant departure from their usual content. Several potential reasons may explain why your Facebook page was hacked and is now sharing viral videos:

Phishing: Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where hackers send deceptive emails or links that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as Facebook. If you click on one of these links or enter your login information on the fake website, the hacker can steal your account credentials.

Malware: Malware is malicious software that can infect your computer without your knowledge or consent. Once installed, it can pilfer your personal information, including your Facebook login credentials.

Weak Passwords: Using a weak or easily guessable password for your Facebook account makes it more vulnerable to hacking.

Password Reuse: If you use the same password for multiple accounts and one of those accounts is hacked, the hacker may use your password to access your other accounts, including Facebook.

Outdated Software: Utilizing outdated software, such as your operating system, web browser, or antivirus program, may render your system more susceptible to attacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to access your computer and seize your personal information.

Furthermore, Facebook pages with a substantial following or affiliations with well-known brands or organizations can be attractive targets for hackers. They may exploit these pages to disseminate malware, phishing schemes, or other malicious content to a wider audience.

Understanding these potential vulnerabilities and the mechanics of cyberattacks is essential in today's digital landscape. Staying informed and implementing robust online security measures is crucial. The government is actively addressing this issue, and your cooperation is invaluable.

Preventing Hacking

Here are fundamental tips to protect your Facebook page and personal account from potential hacking:

Use a Strong and Unique Password: Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging in.

Exercise Caution with Links: Phishing emails and links are common methods used by hackers to steal personal information. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources or those that appear suspicious.

Only Use Facebook.com for Login: Never enter your Facebook login information on a website other than Facebook.com. If prompted to do so, it's likely a phishing scam.

Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your operating system, web browser, and antivirus program are up to date with the latest security patches.

For additional protection of your Facebook page:

Limit Page Access: Grant admin access only to individuals you trust and who need to assist in page management. You can also restrict access to specific page features, such as posting or commenting.

Regularly Monitor Page Activity: Check your page's insights to monitor interactions and content consumption. If you notice suspicious activity, such as an abrupt increase in likes or shares from unfamiliar users, take prompt action.

Lastly, if you'd like to receive ongoing tips and valuable information, consider following Igorotage on Facebook.

By following these recommendations, you can enhance the security of your Facebook page and personal account, reducing the risk of hacking.