The Philippines has recently detected multiple foreign attempts to access its intelligence data, but according to the country’s cyber minister, Ivan Uy, no breaches have been recorded so far. These attempts to steal data have been wide-ranging and persistent, highlighting the ongoing threat of Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
APTs are sophisticated cyber actors or groups, often state-backed, that engage in malicious cyber activities. These threats have been present for quite some time and come from various actors, with a significant majority being foreign. Despite the repeated attempts, the country’s cyber defences have managed to hold firm, preventing any successful infiltration of government systems.
Uy emphasized the importance of robust cyber defences and cybersecurity measures in protecting the country’s critical infrastructure and sensitive data. He acknowledged the difficulty of attributing cyber intrusions to specific attackers, as they sometimes leave misleading digital traces. However, the government works through diplomatic channels and shares intelligence with the military and other countries to validate threats and strengthen defences.
Last year, the Philippines successfully thwarted attempts by hackers operating in China to break into the websites and email systems of the Philippine president and government agencies, including one promoting maritime security. This incident underscores the escalating cyber threats faced by the country and the need for continuous vigilance and improvement in cybersecurity measures.
Uy described the current cyber threat landscape as part of a global arms race, where nations and criminal organizations exploit digital vulnerabilities for financial or strategic gain. He likened the situation to a non-kinetic World War III, where cyber, digital, and virtual attacks and defences occur in real-time without physical manifestation.
In addition to cyberattacks, Uy also flagged a surge in deepfakes and “fake news media outlets” aiming to manipulate public opinion ahead of the Philippines’ mid-term elections in May. The ministry has deployed tools to combat misinformation and disinformation, which pose significant risks to democracies that rely on elections based on personal opinion.
The Philippines’ ability to detect and prevent these foreign cyber intrusions is a testament to the strength of its cyber defences. However, the country must remain vigilant and continue to enhance its cybersecurity measures to protect against evolving threats in the digital landscape.
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