NATIONAL Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. attended a two-day conference, called, “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security”.
The event, organized by the Strat base ADR Institute in collaboration with the Embassy of Canada, took place on Tuesday.
The conference brought together stakeholders in cybersecurity in the Philippines, including the international community, to discuss issues and seek solutions to cyber threats.
Following the meeting, Sec. Teodoro revealed plans to implement changes towards stricter operational security.
This includes exploring ways to enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure in the country.
Aside from addressing the vulnerability of the Philippines when it comes to cybersecurity, Teodoro mentioned that the Defense department will make changes in individual security, facility security, digital hygiene, and the overall architecture of the system.
“So we have to start from base zero. We have had a gap analysis, and there’s a lot to do. We have to put in the right infrastructure, architecture, hardware, software, protocols, and hygiene,” according to Sec. Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., DND.
The Defense secretary emphasized that national security is a significant concern, prompting the Philippine government to establish standards, policies, and regulations to prevent abuse.
He encouraged institutions to intensify research and development efforts in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
Teodoro also urged the efficient utilization of the Philippines’ potential to generate more jobs for Filipinos.
While acknowledging the current limitations of the Philippines in cybersecurity, the secretary stated that the country is ready to collaborate with other nations and establish frameworks for digital security.
“We know that the Philippines now is patient zero for vulnerability. This gives us room for working and cooperating with like-minded partners, creating the proper frameworks and operational and institutional arrangements for long-term cooperation, with the Philippines’ interests in mind, and respecting those of like-minded nations,” he said.
