Network provider PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications (Smart) recorded a staggering 9,000% surge in cyberattacks in 2023, reaching a total of 16 billion compared to 182 million in 2022.
In response, the PLDT Group is calling on the government to oversee the nation’s cybersecurity master plan to safeguard critical assets against escalating threats.
“PLDT and Smart’s robust cybersecurity culture has enabled us to fend off these attempts from breaching our network and assets,” said Angel T. Redoble, chief information security officer of PLDT, Smart, and ePLDT. ”We are always on our toes, and we continue to beef up our capabilities. Our cybersecurity agents undergo regular training. We upgrade our tools. And we engage partners who can help us secure our most important asset — our customers.”
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Throughout 2023, the PLDT Group has blocked over a billion hits monthly, with November and December experiencing the highest attacks, each surpassing 3 billion assaults. Redoble pointed out that cyber-attacks tend to escalate during holidays when people are distracted, needing heightened vigilance to protect not only the company but also the consumers relying on their services in an increasingly digital environment.
Cyberwar and state-sponsored attacks
The threat of cyber-attacks extends beyond private entities, with some government websites facing major cybersecurity incidents in 2023. Redoble mentioned a suspected state-sponsored attack, possibly motivated by geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the need for the government to lead the country’s cybersecurity strategy, considering cyber-attacks as matters of national security.
Redoble pointed out the ongoing cyber war, urging collaboration between private entities and government units to ensure cyber resiliency. He emphasized the necessity for the government to coordinate these efforts and secure vital infrastructures such as energy, telecoms, and financial services.
To enhance its cybersecurity capabilities, the PLDT Group actively collaborates with external partners. Its Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) recently joined the global Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), providing access to valuable data and tools to strengthen its playbook against cyberthreats and attacks.