The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) have joined hands in boosting their cybersecurity initiatives.
The MMDA has requested the CICC for technical assistance on the conduct of information communications technology security, cybercrime resilience, and data protection assessments of the agency’s critical information infrastructure.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes said his agency will work closely with the CICC, other government offices, and private sector organizations on cybersecurity and anti-cybercrime planning and policy formulation.
Artes emphasized the importance of cybercrime resilience amid rapid technological advances and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding crucial data.
“We are very thankful to the CICC for their assistance in ensuring that appropriate and effective cybercrime risk mitigation measures are in place,” he said.
Artes said cyber protection is vital to the agency, which handles large amounts of data such as apprehensions and video footage of the major thoroughfares recorded via closed circuit television cameras along Metro Manila, among others.
“Our partnership with the CICC will aid in safeguarding these crucial data that we handle on a daily basis as we remain committed to our vision of a safe and livable metropolis,” he added.
Under the memorandum of agreement signed by Artes and CICC executive director Alexander Ramos, the CICC will allow authorized MMDA representatives to access NCH resources, technical expertise, and institutional/international linkage for MMDA mandate fulfilment.
It will also assist MMDA in digitalization projects, such as revitalizing its Security Operations Center, to ensure cybersecurity and risk mitigation.
The two agencies will share resources to enable more effective implementation of their respective mandates.
The CICC is mandated to protect and secure the country through effective institutional programs and policy development to combat cybercrime, promote cybercrime awareness, and institutionalize Cybercrime Prevention Capacity Build-up.