Navy to probe cause, source of information leak

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has assured that its information and communications technology (ICT) system has not been compromised despite a news report on Monday which alleged that documents from the navy had been put up on the dark web.

The RMN’s strategic communications branch said the documents were “obsolete” and did not involve sensitive or classified documents.

The information, it said, would not disrupt or threaten RMN’s readiness and operations.

It, however, said the cause and source of the information leak would be investigated.

“The RMN ICT system, which is under the purview of the Cyber Defence Operation Centre, is secure. We are looking at the matter seriously and will not compromise with those involved,” said the navy.

Singapore’s The Straits Times on Monday reported that up to 70 documents from the navy had been leaked and uploaded onto the dark web last month.

The report claimed that the documents and information were from several sources that had somehow managed to hack into military personnel’s email accounts, but the intent and motive of the uploader remained unknown.

It was stated that the documents purportedly revealed information on troop numbers at naval bases and installations throughout the country last year during different periods, a list of navy officers and personnel who had been charged with misconduct, drug abuse and absenteeism, and naval examination requirements.

The report also claimed there was a United States diplomatic letter dated July last year pertaining to a request for the berthing of a US navy ship at a port in Sabah in August last year.

It supposedly provided details on the ship’s radar equipment and frequencies used.

Source: NST