At a recent forum organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), mobile services provider Smart highlighted the importance of sharing best practices and real-time threat intelligence to protect users from cyber threats such as scam links and phishing attacks.
“Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle that requires a collective effort. Smart remains committed to working closely with regulators, industry partners, and customers to build a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem,” said Atty. Roy Ibay, VP and head of Regulatory Affairs, Smart.
The event, themed “Securing our Connectivity: Fortifying the PH Telecommunications Sector,” brought together government agencies, mobile network operators, independent tower companies, and other industry stakeholders.
Ibay discussed the cybersecurity challenges faced by telecom companies, including vulnerabilities from new technologies, IoT security risks, malicious apps, ransomware, and AI-driven cyber threats.
“With vast amounts of sensitive user data at stake, there is a need for continuous adaptation of security measures to protect privacy and prevent breaches,” Ibay said.
The forum also featured the launch of a primer on Executive Order No. 32 (EO 32), which simplifies the permitting process for building telecom infrastructure.
“With this primer as our guide, we can move forward towards a Bagong Pilipinas that is connected, digitalized, and progressive,” said Ernesto Perez, secretary of ARTA. “We would like to encourage local government units and national government agencies that have yet to comply with the requirements of EO 32 to do so as soon as possible.”