AFP to create unit to defend PH military cyberspace

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). (PNA photo)

MANILA — With the Internet now being used as a platform for attacks by various threat groups natiownide, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday announced that it will build up a capable “cyber workforce” that will secure and defend the military’s information networks and systems.

This was announced by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo as the military concludes its Cybersecurity Summit which is aimed at educating and informing its members about the latest trends in cybersecurity.

It tapped partners from the information and communications technology sector to impart knowledge and strategies on how to address the latest cybersecurity threats.

“It is high time that the AFP raise awareness for a secure and resilient AFP cyberspace as we adapt to the rapid technological advancements brought by the digital age,” Arevalo stated.

The two-day summit was spearheaded by the Office of the Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Communication Electronics and Information System (CEIS).

It took place last June 28 to 29 at AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

It gathered some of the military’s information technology experts as well as representatives from the CEIS offices of the AFP Major Services and Unified Commands, Philippine National Police, and Philippine Coast Guard.

Resource persons from the Department of Information and Communications Technology, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, National Privacy Commission, and other partners from the private sector attended the event.

Among the topics discussed in the summit were the National Cybersecurity Plan 2022, Data Privacy Act of 2012, Cyber Crime and Prevention, and Cyber Threat Awareness and Updates.

During the summit, AFP deputy chief-of-staff for CEIS Major Gen. Jose Tanjuan, Jr. , announced that his office has been developing a strategic plan specifically to enhance the military’s cyberspace capabilities.

“The development of the AFP Cyberspace Strategic Plan is one of the thrusts of the AFP in attaining information security. It will provide the Armed Forces with a roadmap that will lead us to the realization of a fully cyberspace-capable organization by 2022,” he added.

The AFP Cyberspace Strategic Plan is expected to be finalized within the third quarter of 2017.