SC urges court personnel to observe ‘cyber hygiene’

In his first webinar titled “The New Normal: Cybersecurity in a Covid-free, malware-free Judiciary”, Peralta said protecting data in the age of information communication technology is a shared responsibility. (File Photo By Mike Gonzalez (TheCoffee) – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – Supreme Court Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta asked on Wednesday judges and court workers to observe proper “cyber hygiene”.

In his first webinar titled “The New Normal: Cybersecurity in a Covid-free, malware-free Judiciary”, Peralta said protecting data in the age of information communication technology is a shared responsibility.

“While we continue to heed the advice of our health professionals to observe good personal hygiene to protect ourselves from this virulent virus, I likewise encourage everyone to practice proper cyber hygiene to protect ourselves from being infected with computer viruses, worms, and other malware,” Peralta said.

The webinar was launched following the recent rollout of the Philippine Judiciary 365, which has enabled all court stations nationwide to “receive pleadings electronically and select courts in key cities to conduct video conferencing hearings”.

Around 6,000 judges and other court workers joined the webinar that tackled cyber threats and trends, red flag indicators, and security and safety when working from home.

“Everyone has a role to play, cyber threats change quickly and we need to adapt to them quickly as well,” Peralta added.

The event organized by the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) in coordination with the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA) and the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), was hosted on the Judiciary 365 platform.

The SC earlier started pilot testing of videoconferencing or “tele-hearing” nationwide to protect court officials, personnel, and parties from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) with stations in Baguio City, Dagupan City, Metro Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.

Aside from videoconferencing, the High Court has also allowed the e-filing of complaints, petitions for bail as well as the submission of requirements for bail in order to minimize physical contact.