By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – The United States is providing funding to boost the capacity of Philippine-based human rights organizations in thwarting cybersecurity threats, including doxing, phishing, and organized digital attacks, the US Embassy in Manila said Friday.
In partnership with The Asia Foundation, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) earlier launched the PHP16.8-million Cybersecurity for Human Rights in the Philippines (C4HR-PH) initiative, which will provide tools and training to more than 150 local organizations across the country for over 10 months.
Cybersecurity experts from The Asia Foundation will help design and deliver trainings in risk management, digital security assessments, phishing awareness, and the adoption of cybersecurity protocols, such as multi-factor authentication and regular data backups.
The tools and knowledge provided through C4HR-PH will help human rights defenders conduct their crucial advocacy work, safeguard private data, and advance justice and accountability without disruption or retribution.
“Now more than ever, civil society organizations are reliant on technology and the internet to operate and pursue our advocacies. We welcome this partnership as it helps us protect our members who are constantly online and vulnerable to cyberattacks,” Sheila Formento, national coordinator of the Alternative Law Groups, said.
The group is coalition of organizations that provides legal services to marginalized communities.
The embassy said this new project aligns with the US commitment to empower and enable organizations to continue their work to promote human rights and democracy.
“Cyber resilience is not just about protecting data. It is about ensuring that democracy defenders can continue their vital work without fear of digital interference,” USAID Philippines Acting Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks said. “This initiative reflects USAID’s commitment to fostering a safe and open digital space for civil society.”
Within the Philippine government, various agencies are also active in building capacity to improve their cybersecurity competencies.
Cybersecurity drill
On Dec. 11, the Department of National Defense, in cooperation with the Cyber Battalion, the Army Signal Regiment (ASR) of the Philippine Army, conducted the 3rd Cybersecurity Exercise (CYBEX 2024) at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
In a statement Friday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said the activity was aimed at raising awareness and improving the cybersecurity competencies of the Defense department and its bureaus, while fostering collaboration to address emerging cyber threats.
It featured a hands-on simulation exercise utilizing the Cyber eXercise for eXcellence (Cyber eX) platform, developed in-house by the Philippine Army Cyber Battalion.
Participants engaged in advanced challenges, including digital forensics, cryptography and artificial intelligence, gaining practical experience in addressing sophisticated cyber threats while fostering collaboration and strategic thinking.
Andolong said the CYBEX 2024 highlighted the DND’s support in building a cyber-resilient defense force. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
