PH most attacked country in cyberspace in SE Asia: IT experts

They said Filipinos are, however, “quite not prepared” for cybersecurity threats, as the country ranks 37th out of 193 countries in the recent global security index report on cybersecurity preparedness. (Pixabay Photo)

MANILA — Digital technology experts said the Philippines is the most attacked country in cyberspace in Southeast Asia and the 10th in the entire globe.

They said Filipinos are, however, “quite not prepared” for cybersecurity threats, as the country ranks 37th out of 193 countries in the recent global security index report on cybersecurity preparedness.

These facts were revealed to media on Friday by digital technology expert Reynaldo Lugtu, member of the advisory board of Global Chamber Manila, a business network focused on growing cross-border trade and investment around the world.

Data from the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) showed that the Philippines is the 10th most attacked country worldwide on the internet.

The list enumerated Canada as the most attacked, followed by India, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan, and the Philippines.

Countries listed as the 11th to 20th most attacked were Germany, South Africa, Turkey, Spain, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Singapore, Nigeria, and New Zealand.

Lugtu pointed out that the behavior of Filipinos makes them very vulnerable to online attacks. That is because many are unaware of the threats in cyberspace.

“In the legal aspect, we are ahead of other countries because we have already passed the Data Privacy Act, the E-Commerce Law, and the Anti-Wiretapping Law. However, we are low in the cultural aspect because we are not well-informed of the dangers lurking online so that we easily open emails or click links without knowing the risks,” Lugtu explained.

Lugtu said the Global Chamber Manila is set to hold a one-day convention called “A Forum on Cyber Security and the Internet of Things” on January 31, 2018, at Enderun College in McKinley Hill, Taguig City which is aimed at making people aware of the dangers on the internet, he said.

Colin Christie, executive director of Global Chamber Manila, said the forum will be top-billed by cybersecurity expert Marc Goodman, author of the best-selling book “Future Crimes.” Goodman will discuss the many technological advances of the cyber world and its many pitfalls.

“Mr. Goodman is a global strategist and consultant focused on the profound change technology is having on security, business, and international affairs. He is the founder of Future Crimes Institute and Chair of the Policy, Law, and Ethics at Silicon Valley’s Singularity University. Over the past 20 years, he has built his expertise in international cybercrime and terrorism, working with organizations, such as the Interpol, the UN Counter-Terrorism Task Force, NATO, and the US Government,” Christie said.

The business group expects more than 250 representatives from both the public and private sector, including government officials and members of the academe, to attend the event.

“We hope to use this occasion to provide Filipinos with a better grasp of recent developments in the automated age, as well as the technologies and best practices, to help everyone protect themselves and their systems from attack and unauthorized access,” Christie said.

Global Chamber Manila is a thriving community of CEO’s, executives, professionals, and students in over 500 metropolitan areas around the world. The group leverages technology and uses its collective networks worldwide to help member companies grow by reducing risks, become more productive, and succeed faster. (PNA)