| Abbreviation | DWK |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Filipino Deep Web Community (2014–2023) |
| Formation | May 2023 |
| Type | Advocacy group |
| Legal status | Active |
| Purpose | Cybersecurity awareness, focus on politics and reporting |
| Headquarters | Philippines (possible part in Manila) |
| Products | Reports on data breaches and vulnerabilities |
| Methods | Cybersecurity monitoring, media reports, public awareness |
| Fields | Cybersecurity, Internet safety |
| Subsidiaries | Kukublan Philippines |
| Website | konek.hn.plus |
Deep Web Konek (abbreviated as DWK) is a Philippine-based cybersecurity advocacy group that monitors, reports, and raises awareness of data breaches and digital threats, particularly those emerging from the deep web and dark web. [1] The group publishes its findings through online platforms and works with local media outlets to highlight risks that affect both public and private institutions. [2]
The group was originated from a community of deep web enthusiasts in the Philippines around 2014. It initially focused on demystifying the hidden corners of the internet before shifting towards cybersecurity and ethical hacking in response to incidents such as the Medusa ransomware attack in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth). [1] The group aims to change the negative connotations associated with the term "hacker", pointing out the role of hackers as protectors and the importance of ethical hacking in improving cybersecurity. While it does not directly engage in hacking activities, Deep Web Konek acts as a cyber threat intelligence advocate, using various software frameworks to assess vulnerabilities and prepare actionable reports for organizations. [1]
According to the group, they provides information on cybersecurity through a online platforms that includes articles, webinars, and interactive forums. The content is designed to be accessible, aiming to equip non-technical audiences with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate online security issues. [3]
Deep Web Konek was founded in 2023 but key members originated around 2014 as part of a network of Filipino Deep Web Community. While it initially began as a community interested in the hidden web, the group gradually shifted its focus toward documenting vulnerabilities and data leaks affecting Philippine organizations. [1] It later established a media arm called Kukublan Philippines, which serves as a platform for publishing reports and analysis related to cybersecurity. [3]
The group's work centres on threat monitoring and the publication of reports about suspected breaches. Sometime in early 2025, the group began reporting about OSAEC and other cybercrimes. Its findings are often cited by news outlets, which in some cases lead to institutional inquiries or public statements from the organizations involved. [4] Deep Web Konek also promotes public awareness of internet safety, emphasizing the importance of cyber hygiene among Filipino internet users. [1]
In March 2024, Deep Web Konek reported that a third-party vendor of Acer Philippines had suffered a breach that exposed employee information. [2] In July 2024, the group disclosed the alleged sale of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) email data on the dark web. [4] The following month, it claimed that more than 13,000 legal and case records of the Supreme Court of the Philippines were compromised, although the court denied any such breach and asserted that its systems remained secure. [5] Later in August 2024, the group also reported a "massive data breach" allegedly involving millions of records from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The NBI responded that its internal systems were unaffected and dismissed the claim. [6]
On September 21, 2025, the website of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was defaced during nationwide protests over alleged corruption in the flood control funds. [7] According to Deep Web Konek, the attack was carried out by a group calling itself the "Darkframe Cyber Alliance" and exploited a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability rather than a full site takeover. [8]
Deep Web Konek has been credited with raising public awareness of cybersecurity issues in the Philippines. [1] At the same time, some of its reports have been disputed by government institutions, resulting in debates about the verification of breach claims. [9] The Daily Tribune have noted that while the group's disclosures often prompt official investigations, the difficulty of confirming dark web activity means that some of its findings should be treated with caution. [10]