Cyber Incident Victim: Altermidya

On the 1st of July 2021, Altermidya, an independent alternative media network in the Philippines, became the victim of a highly concerning cyber incident, which significantly impacted their operations. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by the Philippine Army, was motivated by sabotage, aiming to disrupt the organization's activities and impede its ability to disseminate information. The chosen technique was an External Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, a method frequently employed by adversaries to overwhelm a target's online infrastructure, rendering it inaccessible to users.

Altermidya, a prominent alternative media network known for its critical and independent journalism, found itself under siege when the Philippine Army allegedly launched a deliberate and coordinated DDoS attack against its online platforms. This attack, which unfolded on the 1st of July 2021, severely disrupted Altermidya's ability to maintain an online presence and provide news coverage to its audience. The motive behind this aggressive act was identified as sabotage, indicating a deliberate intent to hinder Altermidya's operations and silence their independent voice.

The DDoS attack employed against Altermidya involved overwhelming the organization's online infrastructure with a flood of traffic. Typically, in a DDoS attack, a network of compromised devices, often referred to as a botnet, is used to flood the target server with an immense volume of traffic. This flood of traffic overwhelms the server's capacity, rendering it unable to respond to legitimate user requests. In the case of Altermidya, the attack aimed to flood their web servers, causing a significant disruption in their online services.

The motive behind this cyber incident was identified as sabotage. Sabotage in the context of cybersecurity refers to deliberate actions aimed at disrupting, damaging, or impairing the functionality of computer systems, networks, or data. In this case, the attackers' intention was clear: to sabotage Altermidya's operations by rendering their online platforms inaccessible. By targeting their ability to disseminate information and engage with their audience, the attackers aimed to stifle Altermidya's journalistic endeavors and suppress their critical narratives.

Shockingly, the alleged perpetrator behind this cyber attack was identified as the Philippine Army. The involvement of a state military organization in a cyber attack against a media outlet raises serious concerns about freedom of speech, press freedom, and democratic values. Such actions threaten the democratic fabric of a nation, eroding the fundamental principles of transparency, accountability, and the right to information.

The consequences of this cyber attack were profound for Altermidya. The disruption in their online services hampered their ability to reach their audience, disseminate news, and uphold their journalistic responsibilities. This attack not only posed significant challenges to the organization's day-to-day operations but also raised concerns about the safety and security of journalists, particularly those reporting on critical and sensitive issues.

In the aftermath of the cyber incident, Altermidya faced the daunting task of restoring their online presence while ensuring the security and resilience of their platforms against future attacks. Additionally, the incident prompted discussions about cybersecurity awareness, preparedness, and the need for robust defenses against such attacks, especially for media organizations operating in regions where press freedom faces threats.

The cyber attack against Altermidya on the 1st of July 2021 stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent media outlets. In an era where information dissemination plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and fostering democratic discourse, attacks on media organizations threaten the very essence of democracy. The incident underscores the importance of international efforts to protect press freedom, advocate for cybersecurity awareness, and ensure the safety and security of journalists, enabling them to continue their critical role in society without fear of reprisals or sabotage.