House hack shows need for upgrade

The House committee on digital economy and society is looking to bolster online security measures to prevent future attacks after the database of parliament’s library was reportedly breached.

“Despite it being only the parliament library database, it is an urgent matter,” Kanlaya Rungwichitchai, PPRP MP and chair of the House committee on communications, telecommunications and digital economy, told the media recently after a committee meeting.

“A hacker may just want to test the online security of parliament’s data network first [before] launching a large scale cyberattack against parliament’s network in the future,” she added.

She said the library’s database contains the personal information of highranking figures such as senators, MPs and also confidential legal documents that could be exploited by hackers.

Ms Kanlaya said parliament’s system should have strong cybersecurity, and be installed in the new parliament building being constructed. She said the system should be installed now to reduce cost.

The committee will invite officials including the deputy House Speaker who supervises information technology and parliament’s director on Policy and Planning Office to discuss how to fend off hackers.

Siam Hattasongkhro, Pheu Thai MP and deputy chairman of the committee, said parliament’s security system needs to be improved as the information obtained by the hacker included phone numbers, ID cards and other private information that could be exploited.