Urgent Need for Proactive Cybersecurity in the Philippines as DICT Strives for Global Cyber Resilience

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and relentless, the Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is doubling down on its efforts to enhance national cyber resilience. With a Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) score of 93.49, the Philippines is just 1.51 points away from reaching Tier 1 in the United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index—a prestigious benchmark that only a handful of countries achieve. Achieving this ranking would mark the Philippines as a global leader in cybersecurity preparedness, reinforcing its ability to proactively manage and respond to emerging threats (Source: Philippine International Cybersecurity Conference).

Jeffrey Ian Dy, DICT Undersecretary for infrastructure management and cybersecurity, noted that the landscape of cyber defense is shifting from a mindset focused solely on protection to one driven by resilience and proactive defense. "Our goal is not just protection. That is so 2010s. Our goal is resilience. Our goal is proactive defense," he emphasized. This approach underscores a critical evolution in strategy, as daily monitoring reveals that government infrastructure alone faces about 2.1 million cyber threats, with a significant portion directly targeting critical information systems (Source: DICT).

The increase in the number and complexity of cyberattacks is evident. The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) reported 2,207 incidents in the first nine months of this year, up from 1,834 in all of 2023, with over half of these incidents directed at government communication networks. This trend highlights that the cybersecurity challenges facing the country are not isolated to the public sector—they impact private businesses, communities, and individuals across the nation.

The DICT’s roadmap for achieving Tier 1 status includes strengthening protections for government cyber assets, building a robust cybersecurity workforce, and enhancing the national cybersecurity framework. These efforts are essential, as every sector relies on secure digital communication and data storage. Yet, given the scale of the threat, collaboration with specialized cybersecurity organizations has never been more critical.

At Directpath Global Technologies (DGT), we recognize the need for a more resilient and proactive approach to cybersecurity. As a managed security service provider (MSSP), DGT offers solutions designed to meet the growing demands of today’s cybersecurity landscape. Our Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Vulnerability and Penetration Testing (VAPT), SOC 2, Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS), Web Application Firewall (WAF), and virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services are tailored to help organizations identify, manage, and mitigate risks before they escalate. Backed by an advanced Artificial Intelligence Division, DGT’s services are adaptable to not only cybersecurity needs but also a range of operational challenges unique to different organizations.

With cyber resilience now the standard, staying ahead of attackers means moving beyond traditional defenses and implementing solutions that anticipate, detect, and respond swiftly to threats. As the DICT continues its mission to protect national assets and communities, organizations in the Philippines—whether private or public—must rise to meet these challenges with strong, adaptable cybersecurity strategies.

The road to resilience may be complex, but with coordinated efforts between government agencies and trusted security partners like DGT, the Philippines can take definitive steps towards safeguarding its digital future. Together, we can help close the gap to Tier 1 and build a cyber-resilient nation ready to defend against both present and future threats.