PLDT and its subsidiaries Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and ePLDT have signed an agreement with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to help improve its cybersecurity capabilities.
Under the agreement, PLDT Group, through its Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG), will provide training for the PAF’s “Cyber warriors”, enhance the military service’s cyber operations and upgrade the security of its digital infrastructure.
The cybersecurity training program will utilize learning modules of PLDT, Smart and ePLDT which combine lectures and hands-on sessions. Participants will also work side-by-side with PLDT’s cybersecurity team in hands-on management, operation and administration of cybersecurity operations.
The partnership agreement also includes ePLDT’s Security Operation Center for PAF, which will provide PAF with their own dashboard to monitor their own cybersecurity operations, as well as a cyber intelligence platform to protect PAF’s infrastructure against cyber threats.
“We are one with the government in ensuring that our country is safe from cyber threats. We look forward to more engagements with the Philippine Air Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on this front,” said PLDT chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, who recently attended the signing ceremonies with PAF Commanding General Lt Gen Allen T. Paredes was held at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Leader in Cybersecurity
This is the latest development in PLDT’s efforts to improve the country’s cybersecurity. Last month, leading infrastructure and telecoms companies chaired by Pangilinan also launched their Cybersecurity Council to help protect these enterprises against the rising tide of cyber risks.
The Council, spearheaded by PLDT, Smart and ePLDT, will also be composed of representatives from Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), Metro Pacific Hospital Holdings, Inc. (MPHHI), Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Philex Mining, Makati Medical Center, MediaquestHoldings, Inc., Metropac Movers, PLDT Global, MVP Rewards and Keralty Philippines.
The Council, the first by a Philippine conglomerate, is also in compliance with existing laws such as the Data Privacy Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Act, which require companies to safeguard customer data.
The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) also recently launched its first Cybersecurity Executive Course to help organizations manage cyber threats, with experts from PLDT and Smart leading the learning sessions on how to build cyber-resilient organizations.
