Enhanced cybersecurity collaboration achieved at ‘Cyber Dialogue: Capacity Building Needs in the Critical Information Infrastructure Sectors’

In a landmark event held on November 22, 2023 at Novotel Manila Philippines to address the evolving cybersecurity threats, CyberGuardians Inc in collaboration with Women in Security Alliance Philippines (WiSAP), organized the “Cyber Dialogue: Capacity Building Needs in the Critical Information Infrastructure Sectors” with the support of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Southeast Asia Hub. A diverse representation of stakeholders from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS), National Security Council (NSC), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), private sectors, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) participated in the dialogue.

The forum was an excellent opportunity for key stakeholders to address the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures, particularly in the telecommunications sectors. The discussions emphasized the necessity of a unified cybersecurity standards, including the Cybersecurity Knowledge Base (CKB) and Network Equipment Security Assurance Scheme (NESAS), among other ISO/IEC Standards.

The event fostered an environment of collaboration and mutual understanding among participants, acknowledging a unified cybersecurity standards, CKB and NESAS and that the security of the cyberspace is a shared responsibility. Thus, the need to build cyber capacity guided by government policies. The dialogue was also a testament to the power of diverse perspectives in finding innovative solutions to complex problems in building and retaining cyber institutions.

Key takeaways from the dialogue included the need to strengthen the capacity of these sectors through effective training, education, and awareness programs. There was a shared understanding of the importance of promoting a culture of cybersecurity that includes robust security measures and policies, proactive monitoring, and rapid response mechanisms.

The event also highlighted the pivotal role of women in the field of cybersecurity. The partnership with WiSAP underscored the importance of gender diversity in the field, which brings unique insights and approaches to tackling cybersecurity issues.

The Cyber Dialogue has undoubtedly set a new standard for cybersecurity discussions in the region. It has positioned itself as a beacon for future collaborations and has sparked a serious conversation about the need for a unified and robust approach to cybersecurity.

The dialogue concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to continue working collaboratively towards the development and implementation of robust unified cybersecurity standards, thus ensuring the security and integrity of the region’s digital infrastructure.