Cyberattacks surge 49% in PH, healthcare becomes top target

Insider Spotlight

  • 49% jump in data breaches reported in Q3 2025
  • Healthcare sector emerges as top cyberattack target
  • AI deepfakes and data leaks fueling faster, smarter threats

The Philippines saw a 49-percent surge in data breaches in the third quarter of 2025, exposing over 52 million user credentials in just three months, according to Hanoi-based Viettel Cyber Security’s latest Cyber Threat Landscape Report. 

The report highlights how the country’s digitalization drive is outpacing its cybersecurity readiness, with increasingly sophisticated attacks exploiting both AI tools and human vulnerabilities.

“Cybersecurity isn’t about fear, it’s about foresight,” Thomas Luu, country manager at Viettel Cyber Security, said in a press release on Oct. 20, 2025. 

“As the Philippines accelerates toward digitalization faster than ever, the importance of security must not be overlooked. Organizations who innovate without the necessary protection in place become vulnerable to risks. Cybersecurity isn’t just a safeguard—it’s an enabler of sustainable digital growth.”

Thomas Luu, country manager at Viettel Cyber Security
“Cybersecurity isn’t about fear, it’s about foresight.”

The big picture

AI-driven deception has become the new weapon of choice for cybercriminals. Deepfakes, voice cloning, and AI-assisted malware are now enabling faster, more targeted attacks—turning deception into an industrialized process.

Key findings from Viettel’s report:

  • 76 data breach incidents, up 49 percent from the previous quarter
  • 4.3 million compromised accounts, a 73-percent increase
  • 7,656 phishing attacks, nearly one-third aimed at finance
  • 27 new platform vulnerabilities found across workplaces

Why it matters

The healthcare sector has become the most targeted industry, with patient records and hospital networks hit by ransomware disrupting operations. Finance and e-commerce sectors also remain in the crosshairs, while manufacturing and energy firms face rising threats from supply-chain compromises.

Ordinary Filipinos are not spared—leaked personal data is increasingly used in fake job postings, e-commerce scams, and fraudulent loan applications.

What’s next

Viettel Cyber Security urges companies to adopt a four-pronged resilience strategy: regular patching, offline data backups, continuous employee training, and 24/7 threat monitoring through managed Security Operations Center (SOC) services. 

“Cybersecurity has become a marker of leadership and trust,” Luu added. “Our SOC empowers businesses to enhance operational efficiency and ensure 24/7 protection against evolving cyber threats.” —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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