Urgent Call for Cybersecurity Awareness: Protecting Organizations from Growing Threats

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer the exclusive responsibility of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). As cyberattacks become more frequent, it’s clear that cybersecurity must be a priority for every member of an organization, spanning all departments and divisions. Scam Watch Pilipinas Co-Founder Jocel de Guzman recently emphasized this during the Women in Security Alliance Philippines (WiSAP) cybersecurity forum, stressing that integrating cybersecurity into the corporate culture is essential to safeguarding systems and stakeholders from increasing cyber risks.

According to De Guzman, the rising number of cyberattacks underscores the importance of having a company-wide commitment to cybersecurity. The daily reports of breaches, shared by the Deep Web Konek Facebook page—a group of anonymous cybersecurity enthusiasts—highlight the urgency. Cybersecurity can no longer be confined to IT departments alone; it requires a whole-of-organization approach to be effective. This shift means everyone, from CEOs to department heads in Marketing, Finance, HR, and beyond, must actively engage in cybersecurity initiatives.

However, many companies and government agencies in the Philippines continue to view cybersecurity as a cost rather than an investment. This mindset leaves organizations vulnerable to cyberattacks and exposes their stakeholders—customers, employees, and shareholders—to the risk of cyber fraud. De Guzman pointed out that breaking down departmental silos and promoting a cross-functional approach is key to creating a robust cybersecurity culture. Education and awareness programs must extend beyond simple anti-scam content to create a well-rounded strategy.

Cybersecurity is not just about having the right technical defenses; it’s also about fostering a culture of vigilance across the entire organization. Companies must invest in both advanced cybersecurity solutions and education initiatives to protect against a wide range of threats. In this rapidly evolving cyber landscape, Directpath Global Technologies (DGT) can provide the expertise needed to guide businesses through these challenges. Offering services such as Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), and vCISO services, DGT helps organizations build comprehensive cybersecurity strategies tailored to their unique needs.

Beyond traditional cybersecurity measures, DGT leverages its advanced Artificial Intelligence Division to enhance threat detection and overall operational efficiency. Our AI-driven solutions not only address security concerns but also empower businesses to streamline operations across multiple functions, ensuring that cybersecurity becomes an integral part of the organization’s broader success.

With cyber threats growing more sophisticated by the day, now is the time for organizations to take proactive steps to secure their digital assets. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity and leveraging advanced solutions, businesses can protect their systems and, more importantly, their stakeholders. Let’s make cybersecurity a strategic priority, not just a technical necessity. Source: Manila Standard