The BIR data leak issue is under investigation after reports surfaced online claiming that records of more than 10 million taxpayers appeared on hacker forums. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it is treating the matter with urgency and is now working with government agencies to verify the claims.
The agency said it is aware of reports circulating online about an alleged data leak, assuring the public that it is taking the reports seriously and has made the issue a priority.
“The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is urgently looking into reports of an alleged data leak circulating online and is coordinating with concerned government agencies to investigate the matter,” the agency said in a statement.
The BIR is coordinating with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the National Cyber Emergency Response Team (NCERT), the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group.
At this point, they have not confirmed whether a breach actually occurred. In its statement, the BIR said it remains dedicated to safeguarding the privacy, confidentiality, and security of taxpayer records entrusted to the agency.
According to reports, files containing records of more than 10 million taxpayers have surfaced on hacker forums. The data has been attributed to a threat actor identified as Happy Go Lucky PH, raising concerns about the possible exposure of sensitive taxpayer information.
The report also surfaced less than two weeks after the BIR suspended the mandatory online display of its Registration Seal Badge due to privacy concerns.
Also Read: BIR suspends Registration Seal Badge display requirement
Taxpayers do not need to take any immediate action at this time. The BIR said it will provide additional updates once verified details become available from the ongoing investigation.
