The Philippine Institute of Cyber Security Professionals (PICSPRO) is stepping up to champion cybersecurity in the country, recognizing the growing digital landscape’s inherent vulnerabilities. PICSPRO is leading conversations on safeguarding the Philippines’ digital transformation and mitigating the expanding cyber threat landscape.
In its most recent online seminar titled “Philippines Under Cyber Attack: The Country Needs You!”, PICSPRO rallied its members to fortify the nation’s cyber defenses. The seminar, led by PICSPRO’s chairman and founding president, Angel Redoble, highlighted alarming findings from a Sophosstudy detailing how Chinese state-sponsored hackers have systematically targeted governments and institutions in Southeast Asia.
Distinguished participants like Col. Joey Fontiveros, command-ing officer of the Philippine Army’s Cyber Battalion, joined Rodoble in analyzing the complex cyber landscape. They identified three primary cyber threat actors as–state-sponsored fackers possibly coming from countries like China, North Korea, and Russia and employ sophisticated tactics to infiltrate and disrupt critical infrastructure. Next are the financially motivated cybercriminals who use ransomware, phishing, and vishing attacks to extort money from individuals and organizations. And finally, the hacktivists: While often claiming ideological motives, these actors can cause significant damage to digital systems.
Rodoble, a former cybersecurity head of PLDT, stressed that the Philippines’ cybersecurity challenges extend beyond technology. He emphasized the need for comprehensive training, a vigilant 24/7 “cybersecurity mindset,” and a shift towards a “military mindset” that acknowledges cyber threats as an ongoing war. Rodoble’s call for a proactive approach underscores the importance of human factors in cybersecurity.
Col. Fontiveros echoed the importance of education and training, advocating for cybersecurity awareness initiatives to begin in early education. This approach recognizes that cultivating a cyber-savvy population is crucial for long-term defense.
The PICSPRO seminar laid the groundwork for a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy. Key takeaways and recommendations include intensifying training and awareness by robust, continuous training programs are essential for both technical professionals and the general public. One example is encouraging students to participate in research projects, hackathons, and competitions fosters a culture of innovation and problem-solving. Collaboration between academia and industry provides a platform for addressing real-world challenges and developing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
On one hand, Creating a proactive defense is crucial and requires a mind shift from simple programmers and security analysts to cyber soldiers–an idea Redoble made, which didn’t sit well when presented to other government agencies. According to him, this is a necessary shift from reactive to proactive defense mechanisms, including threat intelligence sharing and early detection systems.
Fontiveros on the other hand, lamented that fact that there needs to be stronger collaboration between stakeholders. An enhanced cooperation between the government, private sector, and academia to share resources and expertise, as well as corporate and even international partnerships to combat transnational cyber threats.
Finally there was a call from Redoble to update current legislation and regulations. The development of a comprehensive legal framework to address cybercrime and data protection he said will “serve to create the needed mindset for fighting cybercrime at its very source.
PICSPRO’s commitment to raising awareness and driving change positions the organization as a leading force in shaping a more secure cyber future for the Philippines. By fostering dialogue, advocating for proactive measures, and promoting education, PICSPRO is helping to build a resilient nation that can effectively defend against the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
The “Philippines Under Cyber Attack” seminar serves as a stark reminder that the digital age demands a united front against cyber threats. PICSPRO’s call to action resonates across sectors, urging every citizen to play a part in safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure and information assets.
