DIGITAL technology experts say the Philippines is the most attacked country in cyberspace in Southeast Asia and the 10th in the world.
But they say the Filipinos are “quite not prepared” for cyber security threats as the country ranks 37th out of 193 countries in the recent global security index report on cyber security preparedness.
These facts were revealed by digital technology expert Reynaldo Lugtu, a member of the advisory board of Global Chamber Manila, a business network focused on the growing cross-border trade and investment around the world.
Data from the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation showed that the Philippines is the 10th most attacked country worldwide on the Internet.
The list enumerated Canada as the most attacked followed by India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan and the Philippines.
The countries listed as the 11th to 20th most attacked were Germany, South Africa, Turkey, Spain, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Singapore, Nigeria and New Zealand.
Lugtu says the behavior of Filipinos makes them very vulnerable to online attacks, and because many are unaware of the threats in cyberspace.
“In the legal aspect, we are ahead of other countries because we have already passed the Data Privacy Act, the E-Commerce Law and the Anti-Wiretapping Law,” Lugtu said.
“However, we are low in the cultural aspect because we are not well-informed on the dangers lurking online, so that we easily open e-mails or click links without knowing the risks.”
Lugtu says the Global Chamber Manila is set to hold a one-day convention called “A Forum on Cyber Security and the Internet of Things” on Jan. 31, 2018, at the Enderun College on McKinley Hill, Taguig City, which is aimed at making people aware of the dangers on the internet.
Colin Christie, executive director of Global Chamber Manila, says the forum will be top-billed by cyber security expert Marc Goodman, author of the best-selling book “Future Crimes.” Goodman will discuss the many technological advances of the cyber world and its many pitfalls.
“Mr. Goodman is a global strategist and consultant focused on the profound change technology is having on security, business, and international affairs,” Christie said.
“He is the founder of Future Crimes Institute and Chair of the Policy, Law and Ethics at Silicon Valley’s Singularity University. Over the past 20 years, he has built his expertise in international cybercrime and terrorism, working with organizations such as the Interpol, the UN Counter-Terrorism Task Force, Nato and the US Government.”
The business group expects more than 250 representatives from both the public and private sector including government officials and members of the academe, to attend the event.
“We hope to use this occasion to provide Filipinos with a better grasp of recent developments in the automated age, as well as the technologies and best practices, to help everyone protect themselves and their systems from attack and unauthorized access,” Christie said.
Global Chamber Manila is a thriving community of CEO’s, executives, professionals and students in over 500 metropolitan areas around the world. The group leverages technology and uses its collective networks worldwide to help member companies grow by reducing risks, become more productive and succeed faster.