The Social Security Organisation (Socso) said that it was able to overcome a cyberattack on its system, information database and website, which began last Saturday (Dec 2). — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) said that it was able to overcome a cyberattack on its system, information database and website, which began last Saturday (Dec 2).
Confirming the matter, the agency said it had activated a crisis management plan with its technology and information communication unit on the same day for system recovery.
“Socso’s ICT unit was able to regain control of the system which led to the hackers to change tactics and launch a ‘character assassination’ attack against the agency,” Socso said in a statement today (Dec 8).
It added: “Socso assures that this planned effort by hackers will not affect our service to contributors, employers and the public.”
It said all interest, compensation and pension payments to contributors and heirs will continue to be implemented as planned.
Socso said it also doubts the veracity of the alleged data leaked at a forum on the dark web, adding that the data is incomplete and may have expired.
It also said that one of the data clusters has not been a part of Socso since the agency was established in 1971.
It also acknowledged that a cyberattack was also attempted on Socso back in September and was successfully contained by the agency.
“This act of irresponsible hacking is an attack targeting national interests. Therefore, all forensic results will be shared with the authorities to prevent further episodes against the agency or others,” it concluded in the statement.
