PLDT and Smart Communications are joining forces with the Department of National Defense (DND) to bolster the country’s cyber defense capabilities.
In a recent meeting between PLDT Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Angel T. Redoble and DND Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga, PLDT expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government in combatting the growing threat of cyber-attacks and to explore additional avenues for cooperation to safeguard the nation’s cyberspace.
“The PLDT Group is no longer just focused on securing our own network and systems infrastructure. We are extending our capability to our community, down to the home and individual subscriber level,” Redoble said. As a major telecommunications provider, PLDT recognizes its strategic position to assist the government in securing netizens and protecting cyber sovereignty when necessary.
During the meeting, Redoble, accompanied by PLDT Deputy CISO Ellen Solosod and officers from PLDT’s Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG), shared the company’s best practices in cybersecurity. They highlighted efforts undertaken to safeguard customers from cyberattacks during a forum titled “Consultation on Public-Private Partnership for National Cyber Defense.”
The forum, led by DND Director Christine June Cariño, Chief of the Office for Cyber and Information System Management, featured representatives from various government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, National Security Council, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, and Government Arsenal.
Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to cyber defense, Usec. Madriaga emphasized the potential benefits of leveraging PLDT’s experience and expertise in this field. “Securing our country’s cyberspace requires no less than a whole-of-nation approach. Thus, we believe that the DND can benefit a great deal from the experience and expertise of PLDT in pursuit of a comprehensive approach to our country’s cyber defense,” he said.
Also read: PLDT, Smart blocks 38K mobile numbers and 5M phishing texts in February
PLDT and Smart have also taken steps to raise awareness about the need to reinforce the digital infrastructure of government agencies. These initiatives align with the companies’ commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 9 on Industries, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
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