cyber Archives - THEPHILBIZNEWS https://thephilbiznews.com/tag/cyber/ Delivering Stories of Progress Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:08:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://thephilbiznews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/favicon.png cyber Archives - THEPHILBIZNEWS https://thephilbiznews.com/tag/cyber/ 32 32 Rising hybrid threats seen in Europe and Indo-Pacific https://thephilbiznews.com/2025/09/19/experts-flag-escalating-hybrid-threats-in-europe-and-indo-pacific/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=experts-flag-escalating-hybrid-threats-in-europe-and-indo-pacific Fri, 19 Sep 2025 03:59:43 +0000 https://thephilbiznews.com/?p=65180 Security experts are sounding the alarm on the growing risks posed by gray zone tactics, lawfare, cyberattacks, and the disruptive use of emerging technologies—challenges that are increasingly destabilizing both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

These warnings came during the high-level forum “Navigating Asymmetric Threats: Cross-Regional Strategies for Europe and the Indo-Pacific”, organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), held at The Conservatory, The Peninsula Manila on September 18, 2025. The full-day dialogue underscored how the two regions, though geographically distant, have become strategic flashpoints in the evolving landscape of asymmetric threats.

Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget, Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Pacific, described these challenges as “a strategic tool,” warning that the use of force in state disputes is now “uninhibited.” He pointed to the parallel technological race unfolding in areas such as AI, drones, space, cyber, and electronic spectrum, stressing that these developments threaten not just economic and political systems but also democratic freedoms and national sovereignty.

Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit emphasized the urgency of cross-regional collaboration, noting how Europe and the Indo-Pacific are now “intertwined” by shared security and prosperity goals. “We may be halfway across the world from each other, but changing times have narrowed the gaps. Security and prosperity are our common goals,” he said, affirming the Institute’s commitment to deepen cooperation with governments, the private sector, and the diplomatic community.

Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año echoed these calls, identifying energy, critical infrastructure, and advanced technologies as priority areas for stronger cooperation. He underscored the need for freedom of navigation and regional stability in contested waters, stressing that while ASEAN states do not seek conflict, all must prepare for the risks of escalation. Año also urged exploring alternatives to reduce dependence on a single power, citing education, health, and infrastructure as avenues for collective resilience.
Looking forward, Año highlighted the role of innovation in shaping future defense strategies: “The way ahead for us should be about innovation strategy and harnessing new technologies as tools for collective security. Despite unprecedented risks, I am optimistic that our regions have the resources, capacities, and willpower to shape the future.”

ECFR Distinguished Visiting Fellow James Crabtree added that shared experiences among like-minded states are critical. He cited Russia’s gray zone activities in Europe—from drones in Poland to helicopters in Estonia—and drew parallels to rising challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including recent threats to cable infrastructure and persistent pressure in the Taiwan Strait and the West Philippine Sea.

Across four in-depth panels, experts explored the ripple effects of shifting U.S. security policy, the weaponization of lawfare, the vulnerability of undersea cables as global lifelines, and the destabilizing impact of emerging technologies. The forum closed with a resounding call for sustained cross-regional cooperation, innovation-driven security, and ASEAN-centric mechanisms for dialogue, affirming that Europe and the Indo-Pacific must act together to safeguard stability in an increasingly turbulent global order.

]]> British Chamber supports swift passage of Cybersecurity Act https://thephilbiznews.com/2024/12/03/british-chamber-supports-swift-passage-of-cybersecurity-act/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=british-chamber-supports-swift-passage-of-cybersecurity-act https://thephilbiznews.com/2024/12/03/british-chamber-supports-swift-passage-of-cybersecurity-act/#respond Tue, 03 Dec 2024 02:45:17 +0000 https://thephilbiznews.com/?p=56484 The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) reiterated its strong support for the swift passage of the Cybersecurity Act during a recent event titled “AFASA Law: Cyber Resilience in Financial Services.” AFASA is the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.

Held on November 28 as part of its Trade & Connect series, the event highlighted the Chamber’s advocacy for key reforms to enhance the country’s cybersecurity resilience.

“We support the passage of the Cybersecurity Act that will complement the cybersecurity efforts from the government such as the AFASA and the National Cybersecurity Plan,” BCCP Executive Director and Trustee Chris Nelson said.

“Also, our partners like CyberQ Group have reiterated the growing Filipino cybersecurity talents, and the Chamber is very keen to work with the government in improving skills and cybersecurity resilience in the country,” he added.

The event underscored the importance of AFASA, signed into law on July 20 this year, as a cornerstone of the financial sector’s cybersecurity defenses.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Acting Director, Consumer Account Protection Office (CAPO) Atty. Alain Bert G. Regis, detailed the AFASA’s “Trident Approach,” which focuses on:

  1. Criminalizing financial scams, including money muling and social engineering schemes.
  2. Engaging financial institutions in fraud and risk management, temporary holding of disputed funds, and coordinated verification.
  3. Empowering BSP to investigate and enforce regulations concerning financial accounts.

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian C. Dy outlined how AFASA aligns with the National Cybersecurity Plan 2024-2029. He emphasized a “whole-of-nation approach” to strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance government cyber responses.

The British Chamber’s ongoing collaboration with stakeholders, including the CyberQ Group Philippines, the British Embassy Manila, and the DICT, highlights its proactive role in cybersecurity advocacy.

Earlier this year, the Chamber attended the Cybersecurity Reception with His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, which explored UK-Philippines partnerships in cybersecurity.

In March, it hosted an event with CyberQ Group to address the skill gap in Manila’s cybersecurity workforce, further reinforcing its commitment to cultivating local talent.

By actively supporting these initiatives, the British Chamber continues to position itself as a key partner in advancing the Philippines’ cybersecurity posture and economic resilience.

Colliers was the venue partner and The Philippine Business and News one of the media partners of the event.

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