Attackers use virtual private network services and proxy infrastructure to carry out distributed denial of services attacks against Bulatlat and five other independent media organizations, findings of a Sweden-based digital experts revealed.
“The pen-testing on Qurium’s website proves that the cyberattackers are undaunted, bolstering our belief that such actions are state-sanctioned and part of the systematic efforts in silencing and intimidating the Philippine media.”
“As lawmakers, it is our duty to ensure that public funds are used judiciously for the benefit of the people, and not used to violate their civil and political rights enshrined in our Constitution.”
“We firmly believe that legitimately exercising a right and seeking appropriate redress at the proper forum when that right is violated can never be penalized or begrudged.”
International media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has included in their website mirroring campaign two Philippine alternative news websites, Bulatlat and Kodao Productions, following the intense cyber-attacks since December.
Illustration by DEE AYROSO
What is Bulatlat? Bulatlat is an online news magazine established after the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada. Press freedom advocates and human rights defenders gathered to form the news agency to tap the then booming internet in the country to help explain issues and government policies and to contribute towards shaping public opinion by…
The attackers, the group said, have attacked their “front-end at Cloudfare and later on they directed the attack to the hosting site,” using at least 1,100 compromised computers “to flood the website with requests.”