The Philippines is no stranger to cyberterrorism. Unfortunately, in recent years the Philippines has become a target for malicious actors looking to exploit loopholes in the country’s digital infrastructure. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the current state of cyberterrorism in the Philippines and explore ways to protect yourself from falling victim to these attacks.
Understanding Cyberterrorism
Understanding Cyberterrorism is a critical step in preventing its spread in the Philippines. Cyberterrorism is a politically motivated form of cyber attack that seeks to cause violence and disruption. In the Philippines, it has become increasingly common as transnational cybercrime groups exploit the country’s weak security infrastructure.
To combat this, the Philippine Congress has passed a law that penalizes computer/cybercrimes, and international organizations are working with local authorities to build a stronger cybersecurity network. As cyber threats continue to rise, it is important to understand the nature of these threats and how to prevent them. With increased awareness, individuals and organizations can take proactive steps to protect themselves from becoming victims of cyberterrorism.
Cybercrime in the Philippines
In the Philippines, cybercrime is a growing concern, with transnational cybercrime groups operating in the country. In response, the Philippine Congress passed a law that penalizes computer and cybercrimes, although it does not cover cyber-terrorism. Cyber attacks in the Philippines increased to 31% in 2021 compared to 24% in 2020 and 98.41 thousand cyberattacks were reported in June 2021. This has presented a challenge for the Philippine government, who have had to manage their budget while tackling the increasing frequency of cybercrimes.
The Department of Justice – Office of Cybercrime received 1.2 million cyber tips in 2020, showing the severity of the problem. To address this issue, Republic Act No. 10175 was passed in 2011 to define and criminalize cybercrime. International cooperation is also key to combating cyberterrorism in the Philippines and creating effective cybersecurity solutions.
The Increasing Frequency of Ransomware Attacks
The Increasing Frequency of Ransomware Attacks has become a major concern in the Philippines, particularly since the Luneta Bus Hostage taking incident and Scarborough Shoal. In 2018, a study by Frost & Sullivan estimated that potential economic losses resulting from cyberattacks could reach USD 3.5 billion or 1.1% of the country’s GDP. The 2021 “Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report” also indicated that ransomware is part of 10% of all breaches and doubled in frequency in 2021. Private firms have seen a 30% increase in ransomware attacks and 49% in web threats, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a 31% increase in cyber attacks for 2021 compared to 2020.
Additionally, the G20 warned in 2017 that cyberattacks could “undermine the security and stability” of both Hong Kong and the Philippines, which had already been struck by a ransomware attack. Furthermore, digitalization has contributed to a 600% rise in cybercrimes in Southeast Asia, with ransomware attacks becoming more sophisticated due to the coronavirus pandemic and an increase in working from home.
Preventing Violent Extremism and Terrorism
The Philippine government is actively engaging in efforts to prevent violent extremism and terrorism, especially in the form of cyberterrorism. Through initiatives such as the Cybersecurity and New Technologies programme, the government is enhancing Member States’ capacities to prevent and mitigate the misuse of technology by terrorists.
The ASEAN Declaration to Prevent and Combat Cybercrime was signed to strengthen international cooperation in combating cyberterrorism. The Philippine government’s commitment to preventing terrorism also includes providing psychological support for victims of terrorism and creating effective cyber-security solutions to protect citizens from cyber-attacks.
Reviewing the Philippine Government’s Cybersecurity Programs
The Philippine Government has taken important steps to protect its citizens from cyber threats, including the implementation of the National Critical Infrastructure Protection Plan (NCIPP). This plan outlines the strategies and programs to be pursued in protecting the public from cybercrime, as well as providing guidance for the private sector and other government agencies. Additionally, Supreme Court of the Philippines (SC) has provided guidelines on the posture of governments in regard to cybersecurity threats. These efforts are a critical part of the fight against cyberterrorism, and it is essential that they are supported by international cooperation and technological solutions that are tailored to the needs of Filipinos.
The Role of International Cooperation in Combating Cyberterrorism
The Role of International Cooperation in Combating Cyberterrorism is essential in tackling the cyber threats posed to the Philippines. With the increasing frequency of ransomware attacks and other forms of cybercrime, it is important for the country to strengthen its cooperation with other countries in order to effectively counter these threats. International cooperation can include formal mechanisms such as bilateral, regional, and multilateral cybercrime treaties and informal mechanisms such as public-private partnerships. At the national level, the Philippine government has implemented various cybersecurity programs including a proposed cybercrime bill that seeks to harmonize international laws and promote international cooperation in stopping cyberwarfare. Such efforts are crucial for ensuring that the Philippines is better prepared to address cyberterrorism and protect its citizens from malicious actors.
Creating Cyber-Security Solutions for the Philippines
The Philippine government is actively working on creating cyber-security solutions to protect the country’s networks and citizens from cyberterrorism. The government is implementing initiatives such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Smart Cities, which aim to improve the resilience and security of digital infrastructure.
The PNP and AFP have established specialized cybercrime units that are better equipped to combat cyberterrorism. Moreover, international organizations such as the UN and ASEAN are also providing assistance to help strengthen the Philippines’ cyber-security capabilities. The Philippine government is also actively engaging with civil society, private companies, and other stakeholders to develop measures to prevent violent extremism online. All these efforts are intended to ensure a secure and safe digital environment for all users in the Philippines.
