Just as the Philippines is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, emerging from the grips of the global pandemic, a new, formidable challenge has surfaced, threatening to undermine the nation’s recovery: the surge in cybersecurity threats.
The year 2023 marked a pivotal moment, with several high-profile cybersecurity breaches spotlighting the critical vulnerabilities within digital infrastructures. Among these was the alarming breach at the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in September, where personal data of over 13 million individuals was compromised, illustrating the heightened risks in the post-pandemic landscape.
In response to this escalating cyber threat landscape, Shellsoft Technology Corporation, a leading provider of state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions in the Philippines, is spearheading an initiative to bolster the country’s digital defenses.
Edwin Boon, President and CEO of Shellsoft, addressed the urgency of cultivating a “Cybersecurity Culture” during a recent media engagement.
He underscored the importance of proactive defense mechanisms in the digital era, stating, “As digital transformation accelerates, it becomes increasingly crucial to fortify our online presence against the incursions of cybercriminals.”Therefore it is important to make it as difficult as possible for bad actors to succeed, rather than trying to clean up after they have achieved entry” he elaborated.
The stark increase in ransomware attacks further exacerbates the situation, with Jon Clairmond Siy, Shellsoft’s Chief Security Advisor, revealing that the incidence of such attacks in 2023 has already surpassed the total for the previous two years combined. This trend signals a worrying escalation in cybercriminal activities, posing even greater risks to national security and economic stability.
However, Siy emphasizes that there is a silver lining: the power of awareness. By fostering a cybersecurity-conscious culture within organizations and among the general public, the Philippines can significantly reduce its vulnerability to cyberattacks. Shellsoft is committed to educating not only its corporate clients but also their employees on basic cybersecurity hygiene, reinforcing the nation’s digital fortifications from the ground up.
“While those statistics may sound bleak, minimal awareness of Cybersecurity can go a long way in preventing critical exposure,” he clarified. “That’s why it’s important to practice and promote a good cybersecurity culture, especially in the workplace.”
“We provide many advanced cybersecurity solutions to our corporate clients,” Boon expounded. “But apart from that, we also encourage them to teach their employees some of these basic security principles to further reinforce their organization’s cybersecurity at a fundamental end-user level,” he continued.
JB Muñoz, Shellsoft’s COO, highlights the critical nature of this endeavor, stating, “As we navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, it is imperative that we remain vigilant and prepared. Our role as cybersecurity professionals is not only to safeguard mission-critical data but also to empower individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves against more common threats.”
“As Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, we should be able to keep up with the proverbial arms race. It’s our job as cybersecurity service providers and consultants; it’s what we’re hired to do. And you should [invest in Cybersecurity] if you don’t want any mission-critical data compromised,” Shellsoft Chief Operating Officer JB Muñoz added. “But for more common threats, having that foundational knowledge and culture of cybersecurity can spell the difference between a minor hiccup and a massive breach,” he concluded.
With a leadership team rich in experience, including Boon’s extensive tenure in the tech industry and significant roles at Microsoft Philippines, Siy’s expertise as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Muñoz’s distinguished career at IBM and Microsoft Philippines, Shellsoft is at the forefront of the fight against cyber threats in the Philippines.
To learn more about Shellsoft Technology Corporation and its initiatives to enhance cybersecurity awareness in the Philippines, visit their official website at https://www.shellsoft.com.ph/.
