Our generation is fortunate to live in the digital age. Today, access to information and convenience is literally at our fingertips. Digital technology simplifies keeping in contact with loved ones. Working remotely, no matter where you are, has become achievable. We are fortunate to enjoy the advantages of human innovation—a legacy worth safeguarding.
While we reap the benefits of the digital landscape, we must acknowledge the looming shadows of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). While AI enriches our lives in numerous ways, it simultaneously threatens our security. The landscape is evolving, and we must confront the anticipated use of artificial intelligence in cybercriminals’ arsenal. Generative AI, for example, can be used to craft intricate social engineering methods. Manipulated voice recordings and videos can be used for impersonation and data theft attacks.
As digital technologies progress, our vulnerability to cyber threats grows. Alarmingly, recent data reveals that the Philippines ranks as the world’s second-highest target for cyberattacks. A security study of 2022 underscores the severity, showcasing many attacks, including brute force attempts, phishing incidents, and malware infections. Furthermore, the Anti-Money Laundering Council reported a substantial number of suspicious transactions associated with online abuse and exploitation of children during the period from 2020 to 2022, amounting to P1.56 billion.
As guardians of information security, we must not turn a blind eye to these challenges. We need to secure our legacy—a digital world where everyone can thrive securely. Our legacy is at stake, and we must strengthen our protection against these cyber threats.
At the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG), we continue our mission of strengthening information security in the country by empowering our cybersecurity professionals. Our initiatives aim to equip our members with information security practices and help them leverage emerging technologies such as AI and data analytics to promote a sustainable and safe digital environment.
In pursuit of our objective, we have prepared a lineup of events and activities for 2024, each designed to fortify our collective defenses. We will kick off the annual I AM SECURE Awareness Series in May together with our stakeholders.
In June and September, we will hold the first ISOG Hybrid-Colloquium, where our invited audience will have access to white papers, research, and case studies presented by cybersecurity experts at the grand moot court type case rooms of Asian Institute of Management. This hybrid event combines in-person sessions with virtual seats, enabling global security executives to participate and contribute to the discourse on cybersecurity.
One of the most exciting parts of this year’s series is our 10th Anniversary in July at Grand Hyatt Hotel-BGC. As we celebrate a decade of achievements in cybersecurity, we will also welcome and induct new members.
During the Cybersecurity month of October, we will showcase for the second time some of our biggest legacy programs such as the ISOGx Cybersecurity Solution Pitch & Exhibition happening at SMX Convention Center- SMX Aura, In the same month, we will also be recognizing outstanding cyber leaders from different industries at the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.
In November, we will bond over good food and music at the ISOGoke Stakeholders Thanksgiving Party. Our year will culminate with the Balik Eskwela Scholarship Grant, an integral part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.
We warmly invite you to join us in these initiatives as we collaboratively work towards ensuring a digitally secure Philippines. This 2024, the Year of the Dragon, ISOG will once again stand as a formidable guardian against the ever-evolving challenges posed by cybersecurity threats. Just like the Dragon, we will navigate complex terrains with strategic prowess and tackle adversities head-on and emerge victorious. Together, let’s protect our legacy and embrace the limitless opportunities the digital age offers.