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In a recent address at the ASEAN plenary session, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Southeast Asian leaders to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard the region's aspirations of becoming the fourth-largest economy in the world. His message, delivered on October 10, 2024, emphasized that a secure and trusted digital environment is essential for the region's continued growth, innovation, and resilience in the face of emerging challenges.
As the digital economy accelerates, it has become a vital catalyst for connectivity and economic expansion across ASEAN. President Marcos highlighted the importance of not only developing digital infrastructure but also equipping citizens with the digital skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. "It is critical that we invest in robust cybersecurity protections," he said, stressing that without a fortified cybersecurity framework, the region’s ambitions could be hampered by vulnerabilities and threats.
The urgency of his call is underscored by the rise in cyber threats within the Philippines and the broader Southeast Asian region. A recent study from Whoscall revealed a 200% increase in scam calls and messages in the Philippines during the first eight months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. These scams ranged from phishing attempts to fake promotions and unauthorized downloads, illustrating the significant risks posed to both individuals and businesses.
Public and private entities in the Philippines have also been targets of cyberattacks, with high-profile cases involving tampering of government websites. These incidents, coupled with the surge in digital fraud, highlight the importance of proactive cybersecurity investments not only to protect critical infrastructure but also to foster trust and confidence in the digital economy.
To address these challenges, Southeast Asian leaders are developing the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which aims to bolster the region’s digital economy to around $2 trillion. Central to this effort is the inclusion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which comprise 99% of businesses in the region. Marcos emphasized that supporting the digitalization of MSMEs is crucial for integrating them into global value chains, ensuring they remain key drivers of regional growth.
As regional economies become more interconnected, securing digital environments is a shared responsibility. Directpath Global Technologies (DGT), as a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), offers solutions like Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS), among others. Our advanced Artificial Intelligence Division is designed to tailor cybersecurity strategies to meet the unique needs of businesses across various sectors, ensuring resilience and protection from cyber threats.
By working together—governments, businesses, and individuals—ASEAN can ensure that its path to becoming a global economic powerhouse is not derailed by digital threats. A commitment to cybersecurity is not just a matter of defense; it is an investment in the future prosperity of the entire region.
Source: ABS-CBN News
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