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In a significant move to bolster the country's cybersecurity posture, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. revealed plans for a comprehensive assessment of the Philippines' existing cyber threats in the coming year. The announcement was made during a forum organized by the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, where President Marcos outlined key initiatives to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Philippines-US Cyber Dialogue: A Collaborative Approach to Cybersecurity
President Marcos disclosed plans to convene the inaugural interagency Philippines (PH)-United States (US) Cyber Dialogue in early 2024. This strategic review aims to provide both governments with valuable insights to enhance cooperation in combating emerging cyber threats. President Marcos emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "Our cooperation on cybersecurity is also a priority, as it impacts both national and economic security."
The cyber dialogue is poised to be a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, with the US, a leader in innovation and emerging technology, playing a significant role as a major partner in addressing shared cybersecurity concerns.
Key Highlights of Cyber Threats in the Philippines
President Marcos's announcement comes against the backdrop of rising cyber threats in the Philippines. According to a report by Kaspersky Security Network, the country ranked second in terms of cyber attacks in 2022, underscoring the urgency of addressing cybersecurity challenges. Identified cyber threats include worms and file viruses, drive-by downloads, and engineering attacks or malware masquerading as legitimate programs.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported 3,000 "high-level cyberattacks" from 2020 to 2022, along with the monitoring of 54,000 cyber threats during the same period. Recent cyber attacks on government websites, including the House of Representatives, PhilHealth, PSA, DOST, and BI, have heightened concerns about the potential implications for national security.
Protecting Critical Infrastructure: A National Priority
President Marcos reiterated the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure, including ports, energy, and telecommunications, through robust cybersecurity measures. Recognizing the interdependence of national and economic security, he emphasized the need for resilience in the face of evolving cyber threats.
In response to the increasing challenges, President Marcos issued directives for the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) to play a pivotal role in protecting the country from cyber threats. The Philippines-US Cyber Dialogue is expected to play a crucial role in shaping strategies and initiatives to fortify the nation's cybersecurity defences.
Elevate Your Cybersecurity with Directpath Global Technologies Inc.
As the Philippines gears up for the inaugural Philippines-US Cyber Dialogue, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes more evident than ever. Directpath Global Technologies Inc. stands ready to partner with government agencies, businesses, and organizations in fortifying their digital defences.
Our comprehensive cybersecurity services include:
Extended Detection and Response (XDR):
Real-time threat detection, investigation, and response to safeguard critical systems.
Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS):
Proactive identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities to fortify digital infrastructure.
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT):
Real-world cyber attack simulations to uncover and strengthen potential weaknesses.
Web Application Firewall (WAF):
Ensuring the security of web applications against a range of online threats.
Join hands with Directpath Global Technologies Inc. in building a secure digital future for the Philippines. Together, let's strengthen cybersecurity resilience and pave the way for a safer digital landscape.
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