In a shocking revelation, PLDT and Smart, two leading telecommunication companies in the Philippines, reported an unprecedented increase in cyber attacks. The number of attacks surged by nearly 9,000 percent, reaching a staggering 16 billion in 2023, compared to 182 million in the previous year.
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the PLDT Group has called upon the government to take charge of the country’s cybersecurity master plan in order to combat the rising threats and protect critical assets. As cyber attacks continue to evolve and grow in sophistication, it is crucial for the government to oversee and coordinate efforts to ensure the security of the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Angel T. Redoble, the Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT, Smart, and ePLDT, emphasized the importance of a robust cybersecurity culture in successfully defending against these attacks. He stated, “PLDT and Smart’s robust cybersecurity culture has enabled us to fend off these attempts from breaching our network and assets. We are always on our toes, and we continue to beef up our capabilities.”
On a monthly basis, the PLDT Group has been able to block an overwhelming number of attacks, with more than one billion hits being prevented in all but three months in 2023. The months of November and December witnessed the highest number of attacks, surpassing three billion assaults each.
Redoble shed light on the timing of these cyber attacks, explaining that they tend to surge during holidays when people are often distracted by festivities. However, for PLDT and Smart, these holidays are the times when they are on the highest alert level. Redoble emphasized, “We’re not only protecting the company, but the entire Filipino people who rely on our services, especially in an increasingly digital landscape.”
The Chief Information Security Officer stressed the critical role of the government in steering the country’s cybersecurity strategy, as cyber attacks have now become matters of national security. Redoble stated, “We are in the middle of a cyber war. We need to secure our country’s vital infrastructures like energy, telecoms, and financial services. If we talk about cyber resiliency, stakeholders – both private entities and government units – must collaborate. And we need the government to orchestrate our efforts.”
With the increasing reliance on digital technology and the growing threat of cyber attacks, it is imperative for the government and private entities to work together to ensure the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Cybersecurity should be treated as a top priority, and proactive measures need to be taken to safeguard the country’s vital assets.
In conclusion, PLDT and Smart’s alarming surge in cyber attacks highlights the urgent need for government intervention in the country’s cybersecurity strategy. With cyber attacks becoming a matter of national security, collaboration between public and private entities is crucial to protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of the Filipino people in an increasingly digital world.
Source: The Manila Times
