Cybersecurity stakeholders forge alliance to safeguard Filipinos online

Global and Philippine cybersecurity organizations have formed a new alliance to help secure the country’s digital environment, focusing on raising cyber awareness, deploying secure digital identity systems, and protecting critical infrastructure.

Highlights:

• Global and local groups launch cybersecurity push for Filipinos
• Focus areas: education, secure digital identity, infrastructure defense
• Philippines ranks among most targeted countries in Southeast Asia
• Supports government’s cybersecurity regulation and workforce goals

The coalition includes the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines (NADPOP), the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT), Secure Digital Life Center (SDLC), and global tech entities Tools for Humanity and World. The initiative comes as the Philippines remains one of Southeast Asia’s most targeted countries for cyberattacks.

The partners aim to address a broad range of cyber threats, including scams, identity theft, and large-scale cyberattacks, by combining global technology with local knowledge and leadership.

Damien Kieran

Chief legal and privacy officer of World and Tools for Humanity

“Protecting people’s online presence is becoming increasingly important,” said Damien Kieran, chief legal and privacy officer of World and Tools for Humanity. “Through this collaboration, we are committed to bringing cutting-edge digital security solutions that will not only protect Filipinos but also enhance trust in online transactions and services.

Sam Jacoba

NADPOP and SDLC founding president

NADPOP and SDLC founding president Sam Jacoba underscored the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity for ordinary citizens and institutions alike.

“We cannot afford to take digital security lightly. Every Filipino deserves to be protected online, and this initiative is a major step toward building a cyber-resilient nation and society. By working together, we can empower individuals, businesses, and government agencies to stay ahead of cyber threats,” Jacoba said.

The campaign’s objectives span cybersecurity awareness, identity protection, and infrastructure defense. Initiatives will include:

• Cybersecurity Education: National efforts to educate individuals and enterprises on best practices.
• Digital Identity Systems: Introduction of advanced and privacy-focused technologies for identity verification.
• Infrastructure Protection: Improved frameworks for safeguarding critical services, including government and finance.
• Policy Collaboration: Engagement with public and private sectors to drive national cyber strategies.

Lito Averia

PH-CERT founding president

PH-CERT founding president and SDLC chair Lito Averia said the collaboration elevates cybersecurity to a national development priority.

“Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue—it’s a national priority. This collaboration is about securing the entire digital ecosystem of the Philippines, ensuring that businesses, communities, and individuals can thrive without fear of cyber threats.”

The initiative is also aligned with ongoing government efforts to tighten cybersecurity regulation and expand the talent pool in data protection and information security.

The partnership is seen as a long-term investment in making the Philippines a resilient player in the global digital economy.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas