PH cybersecurity predictions, a call for enhanced defenses, study
THE rapid expansion of its digital economy has rendered the Philippines an attractive target for cybercriminals, require more men and machinery in 2025.
Recent findings from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) indicate that over 26.8 percent of Filipino users encountered web-borne cyberattacks between October and December 2024, positioning the country 17th globally for web-related threats. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard businesses, individuals, and communities against evolving threats.
Adrian Hia, Kaspersky’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific, underscored the critical necessity of fortifying the nation’s defenses, particularly given the shortage of cybersecurity professionals. “This year is a chance for Filipinos to take charge of their online safety by building stronger defenses and staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. At the same time, we must focus on nurturing and developing local talent in cybersecurity to address this critical gap,” Hia stated.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has reported that low salaries have deterred cybersecurity professionals from joining government roles, contributing to a nationwide shortfall of experts needed to combat rising cyber threats. As of 2022, there were only 200 cybersecurity professionals in the Philippines, a stark contrast to Singapore’s pool of 2,000 experts.
The fourth quarter of 2024 saw web-borne attacks primarily executed through methods such as exploiting browser vulnerabilities and sophisticated social engineering tactics. Kaspersky’s analysis i ndicates that file-less malware—malicious software that leaves no static trace on a victim’s device—is bcoming increasingly common.
Additionally, local threats, including those propagated via offline methods like USB drives, affected 19.3 percent of users in the Philippines, illustrating the dual challenge posed by both online and offline cyber threats.
In light of these escalating risks, Kaspersky advocates for immediate action to bolster cybersecurity across various sectors. The organization emphasizes that both enterprises and consumers must adopt proactive measures to stay ahead of cybercriminals. By equipping individuals and organizations with knowledge and advanced tools, Kaspersky aims to foster a culture of cyber resilience in the Philippines.
Hia stressed again that a growing array of cyber threats in 2025, it is clear that strengthening its defenses will require concerted efforts from both the government and private sectors.
“The call to action is clear: without significant investment in local talent and robust security measures, the Philippines risks becoming increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks,” the Kaspersky boss said.
HP showcases AI powered product range
IMAGING specialist HP Inc. unveiled a comprehensive range of AI-powered innovations aimed at enhancing productivity and gaming experiences for professionals, gamers, and creatives alike at the recently concluded CES 2025.
The huge electronics event, held in Las Vegas, showcased the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s workforce and entertainment needs.
HP introduced its latest lineup of commercial next-gen AI PCs, including the HP EliteBook Ultra G1i, touted as the world’s most immersive AI business notebook. This device is designed to empower modern leaders by enabling them to manage high-performance workflows efficiently.
Alongside it, the HP ZBook Ultra G1a, recognized as the world’s most powerful 14-inch mobile workstation, and the HP Z2 Mini G1a, a powerful mini workstation, were also showcased.
Freelancers and creators were not left out; HP presented the OmniStudio X and OmniDesk PCs, both featuring Intel Core Ultra processors and integrated AI capabilities to enhance productivity and creativity. These devices are tailored for users who require robust performance in a compact design.
The tech maker’s gaming division introduced the OMEN Max 16, its most powerful gaming laptop to date. This device is equipped with OMEN AI technology, which includes the world’s first AI-driven one-click performance optimization tool. This feature allows gamers to automatically adjust their device’s performance and thermals for uninterrupted gameplay, catering to the increasing demand for high-performance gaming technology.
Josephine Tan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gaming Personal Systems at HP, emphasized the importance of supporting the gaming community in both their gaming and professional journeys. She stated, “Today’s gamers are not just players; we are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow’s workforce.”
HP’s innovations also include the HP AI Companion, a generative AI software designed to streamline tasks and enhance productivity. This tool integrates various AI functionalities into a seamless user experience, allowing users to summarize documents, generate content, and optimize PC performance efficiently.
