June Monthly Membership Meeting
The June Monthly Members Meeting, held on June 11, 2024, at the Makati Shangri-La, was a thought-provoking event centered on the theme “How Safe is SAFE? Do you have the right cybersecurity measures to keep your organisation protected?” The event, attended by numerous members and guests, focused on the critical issue of cybersecurity and the measures organizations need to implement to protect themselves in the digital age.
EJ Bergara from First Circle kicked off the networking session by breaking the ice and emphasizing the institution’s commitment to supporting SMEs. As the fastest growing financial institution dedicated to serving the SME sector, First Circle focuses on establishing meaningful relationships with like-minded business associations.
Following this engaging start, the panel discussion commenced, delving into the current state of cybersecurity in the Philippines, covering critical areas such as talent shortages and government initiatives to address them. The panel highlighted the importance of partnering with higher education institutions to develop specialized training programs, and the necessity of collaboration between the government and the private sector to enhance cybersecurity resilience.
Engr. Jose Carlos P. Reyes, Director IV of the Cybersecurity Bureau at DICT, opened the discussion by emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity policies and proactive measures. He highlighted the government’s efforts to work with higher education institutions to address the talent shortage in cybersecurity. The Philippines is developing cybersecurity experts through various certification programs and collaborations with international partners.
Simon Jankowski, Head of Cybersecurity Services at Telstra, spoke about the global landscape of cybersecurity threats, noting the increase in sophisticated attacks, IoT vulnerabilities, and the role of AI in both threats and defense. He stressed the importance of continuous improvement and having a robust incident response plan.
Sop Chen, Director of Security and Co-Founder of Kantanna, provided practical advice for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) on improving cybersecurity. He recommended basic cyber hygiene practices such as patching computers, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), and using complex passwords. Chen also pointed out that cybersecurity solutions have become more cost-effective, making robust protection accessible even for smaller businesses.
The session included a lively Q&A segment, where participants raised concerns about the talent gap, regulatory requirements, and practical steps for cybersecurity implementation. Engr. Reyes reassured attendees of the government’s commitment to cybersecurity awareness campaigns and support for the private sector.
Several action items were proposed to strengthen the Philippines’ cybersecurity posture. These include modernizing cybersecurity principles, exploring successful international cooperation models, and conducting targeted awareness campaigns on common cyber attacks, particularly those targeting SMEs.
The MMM concluded with a vibrant session, where participants mingled, exchanged ideas and contact information, and fostered new relationships while strengthening existing ones.
