Why Hacker Attacks on November 5th
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has issued a public advisory warning of a possible Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack or internet traffic flood expected on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The DICT confirmed it is actively monitoring the potential cyberattack and mobilizing resources to protect online services.
What Is a DDoS Attack?
A DDoS attack, also referred to as a "traffic flood," occurs when multiple devices overwhelm a targeted system, server, or network with requests, causing it to slow down, become unstable, or become completely unavailable to legitimate users. This is similar to a traffic jam on the internet where hackers simultaneously bombard a website or application with connections.
What Users Can Expect
Officials emphasize that this is not a data breach, and no personal information is at risk. However, ordinary users may experience disruptions on November 5, including:
- Slower website loads
- Temporary outages or unavailability
- Delays when accessing online services
Websites and apps may take longer than usual to load, and some services could become temporarily inaccessible during peak traffic periods.
Hacker Attacks on November 5th
The significance of November 5th in hacker culture stems from its association with Guy Fawkes Day and the graphic novel/film V for Vendetta. Guy Fawkes Day marks the 1605 failed Gunpowder Plot against King James I, symbolizing political resistance. In V for Vendetta, the character "V," inspired by Fawkes, embodies rebellion against tyranny, with his actions occurring on this date. His phrase, "Remember, remember the 5th of November," has cemented the date as a symbol of dissent. The Guy Fawkes Mask has become emblematic for the hacktivist group Anonymous, representing anonymity and resistance against authority and advocating for free speech and information freedom.
Hacktivist groups like Anonymous often use November 5th as a date to coordinate high-profile attacks (or threats of attacks) to amplify their message and maximize media attention.
The actions described are a form of digital protest, emulating the political rebellion associated with Guy Fawkes and "V." These include website defacements, where a website's content is altered to display a message or the Guy Fawkes mask; data dumps (doxing), involving the theft and release of confidential information from governments or corporations; and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, which overwhelm a server to render the website offline.
Recommended Actions for Users
The DICT recommends the following precautions:
- Reschedule important online tasks: If you have critical activities scheduled for November 5 (such as uploading documents, attending virtual meetings, making online payments, or government transactions), consider completing them ahead of time to avoid potential congestion.
- Try accessing services later: If a website or app doesn't load, wait a while and try again.
- Use official apps and status pages: Access services through verified official channels rather than third-party alternatives.
- Follow verified updates: Monitor official communications from service providers and the DICT for the latest information.
- Clear your browser cache: Ensure your browser and network connection are optimized.
- Report issues: Users can report incidents at 1326@dict.gov.ph or call the 1326 hotline.
What Businesses Should Do
For organizations operating websites and online platforms, the DICT urges them to:
- Ensure their systems are robust and capable of handling traffic spikes
- Have backup procedures and failover systems ready
- Enable alternate access routes (such as mobile versions versus desktop versions)
- Proactively inform users about potential disruptions
- Monitor traffic closely and review traffic-monitoring alerts
Government Response
Under Oplan Cyberdome, the DICT is collaborating with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to address and protect online platforms. The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) is operational 24/7 to monitor the situation and ensure a safe digital space.
Important Reminders
The DICT strongly advises the public to:
- Remain alert, calm, and responsible when using the internet
- Avoid engaging in illegal online attacks or activities
- Not be alarmed, as this advisory is primarily precautionary to ensure public preparedness
The timing of this advisory—three days before the expected event—gives both businesses and individual users adequate time to prepare and minimize disruption to their operations and critical activities.
About the Writer
Jenny, the tech wiz behind Jenny's Online Blog, loves diving deep into the latest technology trends, uncovering hidden gems in the gaming world, and analyzing the newest movies. When she's not glued to her screen, you might find her tinkering with gadgets or obsessing over the latest sci-fi release.What do you think of this blog? Write down at the COMMENT section below.
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