A New Cybersecurity Alliance Takes Shape in Asia, With the Philippines at the Helm
In a significant move that underscores the escalating importance of cybersecurity in Asia, a multi-country alliance was formed today in Manila, Philippines, aimed at fortifying digital defenses across the region. The initiative, known as CyberSecConPH, is a collaborative effort involving key players from the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, and it seeks to address the burgeoning challenges of information security and cyber threats.
The Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT) and the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines (NADPOP) joined forces with Japan’s Network Security Association (JNSA) and Indonesia’s Network Security Association (IdNSA) to launch the conference. The event serves as a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among experts in the fields of Information Security (InfoSec) and Cybersecurity. It aims to foster cross-sector collaboration between public and private entities, a crucial step in combating increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Seiichi Ito, Chair of the International Relations Committee of the JNSA, emphasized the importance of a unified approach. “Creating an Asia-wide Cybersecurity Community of Practice and Cooperation is one of the best ways for us to fight against cybercrime,” he said. “We are grateful that the Philippines responded positively to the Japan-ASEAN Cybersecurity Community initiative, and we look forward to engaging and sharing best practices with our fellow practitioners in your country.”
Dr. Rudi Lumanto, Founder and Advisor of the IdNSA, pointed out the shared challenges and opportunities between Indonesia and the Philippines. “Our countries have a rich history in ASEAN and have participated in bilateral projects in technology. We believe that our countries’ InfoSec and Cybersecurity professionals will bring a lot of value and experience to the Japan-ASEAN Cybersecurity Community,” he said.
Lito Averia, President of PH-CERT, underscored the urgency of the situation. “Stronger partnerships of individuals and communities that cooperate and fight against cyber threats is the best way to protect citizens and countries,” he said. “Next month, we will join colleagues in the conference in Tokyo, and we will see a bigger picture of what lies ahead for cybersecurity.”
Sam Jacoba, Chair of the CyberSecConPH Conference, added that the multi-country approach is timely and necessary. “It is about time that Communities of Practice join hands to fight against cybercriminals,” he said. “Along with similar initiatives from government institutions and other private sector organizations, our communities will work proactively to train current and future InfoSec and Cybersecurity professionals to enable them to go head-to-head against online threats.”
The initiative comes ahead of the Japan-ASEAN International Conference on ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Community (IC-AJCC), scheduled for October 5-6 in Tokyo, Japan. The upcoming conference will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for broader participation.
The formation of this alliance is a significant milestone in the region’s ongoing efforts to bolster cybersecurity. It not only reflects the growing awareness of the cyber threats that countries face but also marks a proactive step toward regional cooperation. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for a coordinated, multi-country response becomes increasingly imperative. With the Philippines taking a leadership role in this initiative, the country positions itself at the forefront of regional cybersecurity efforts, signaling its commitment to safeguarding digital landscapes both at home and abroad.
Ira James is an enthusiast who has his roots on PC hardware and gaming. His career as a tech journalist began after working in the PR industry for two years. He started GGWPTech to write PC hardware reviews, gaming, cyber security, and enterprise tech news. His works are also syndicated by other media publishers: Tech Sabado, and the Sunday and Business I.T. section of Manila Times.
