Philippines – Telecommunications company Globe Group has recently joined forces with the British Embassy in the Philippines, aiming to fortify the digital infrastructure defences of the country. This initiative comes after a discussion amongst the two on the recently held UK Cybersecurity Reception, which centred around enhanced cybersecurity measures in the Philippines.
During the discussion, the two discussed the cybersecurity capacity needs of both countries. In it, Atty. Irish Salandanan-Almeida, chief privacy officer at Globe Group, outlined the company’s comprehensive efforts to counter the digital threats worsened by the pandemic.
In particular, she cited the company’s approach to talent development, technology advancement, and public awareness, which encompasses providing cybersecurity solutions, implementing reliable content filtering systems, and education efforts.
Almeida also explained, “The reason why scams and spam messages are so rampant now is because they (fraudsters) want to get customer data. And so we’re impressing upon our customers and partners the importance of having the right cybersecurity culture and using the appropriate cybersecurity solutions.”
“We prioritise education and awareness across the Globe Group. It’s really important that we know how to practice online safety in our day-to-day activities,” continued Almeida.
Globe has also invested approximately $90 million in cybersecurity to fight fraud and spam messages. It also employs 97 individuals in its information security and data privacy division.
In addition, the company has ensured its employees and customers have online protection through their cybersecurity efforts, like the Digital Thumbprint Programme in partnership with the Department of Education and “Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy,” a data privacy book for children developed with the support of the National Privacy Commission.
“We prioritise education and awareness across the Globe Group. It’s really important that we know how to practice online safety in our day-to-day activities,” she added.
Meanwhile, Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines, shared, “Cybersecurity must be a top priority for both the United Kingdom and the Philippines in order to ensure the safety and security of our citizens and promote economic development and prosperity. The digital landscape is an integral part of our daily lives, from critical infrastructure to personal communications, and protecting it is essential to safeguarding our economic prosperity and national security.”
“The Philippines and the UK alike are prioritising defending their citizens against cyberattacks, and we are pleased to be working together,” added Beaufils.
As part of the discussion, Beaufils further highlighted the UK’s collaboration initiatives, which include the first UK-South East Asia Women in Cyber Fellowship. For this event, Almeida will serve as a delegate, and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Centre (CICC) Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Magsaysay will serve as a mentor.
The UK Cybersecurity Reception is attended by government officials, industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts who share insights and strategies aimed at fostering a safer digital environment.
