DICT to position Ph as digital, cybersecurity hub
In support of the national government’s objective to strategically position the country as a leading cybersecurity hub, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and its Cybersecurity Bureau, in partnership with Digital Pilipinas (DP), have formally sealed their commitment to building a roadmap for a more secure digital future for the Philippines.
This comes in the face of the Philippines being 2nd in the world when it comes to the number of recorded cyberattacks, losing up to P100 million in each instance, according to data provided by the Philippine National Police.
In today’s Cybersecurity Month 2023 Kick-off ceremony, DICT Secretary Ivan Uy said, “The DICT pushes for a cybersecure future. Our goal is to unify these sectors, capacitate and nurture cybersecurity professionals, and assist agencies in protecting their data.”
On how the DICT intends to support its drive to upskill and strengthen the country’s professional cybersecurity industry, Sec. Uy mentioned, “We will offer scholarships and programs, essential trainings, and assist in orienting them on protecting ICT assets. We will achieve this cybersecurity intelligence with the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Operations Center.”
This year, Digital Pilipinas, now the largest private sector-led movement for creating an innovation and technology ecosystem that is actively engaged in a global digital economy through its domestic and international trajectories, has teamed up with the DICT and its Cybersecurity Bureau to actively develop and promote a consistent cybersecurity framework.
Cybersecurity Month 2023 is anchored on the theme, “Sama-Sama para sa Cyberseguridad” which aims to inspire and initiate collective efforts in Cybersecurity for a more digitally healthy future for the country.
The kick-off event gathered government officials, industry leaders, various experts in their respective fields, investors, and foreign dignitaries to join the conversation on how to collaborate efficiently and develop truly effective cyberattack protocols and defenses. Under the guidance of Secretary Ivan Uy, the DICT and its Cybersecurity Bureau have continued to champion the latest cybersecurity initiatives in partnership with various organizations from both the public and private sectors, as well as several dedicated cybersecurity champions.
Emphasizing the point about working together with key stakeholders in the government and other interested parties who want to offer support, Uy continued, “We call for unity and collaboration among the public and private sectors.”