(Photo courtesy of DICT)
The National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee (NCIAC) has finalized a resolution authorizing the continued implementation of a disruption playbook designed to strengthen government defenses against cyberattacks and cognitive threats targeting public institutions.
In a statement Wednesday, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among government agencies, private organizations and the public to address emerging digital security threats.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. No single agency can address these threats alone. We need government agencies, the private sector, and the public to work together, remain vigilant, and take proactive steps to protect our systems, our information, and every Filipino online,” De Claro said.
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) Disruption Playbook outlines measures to detect, contain and disrupt cyber threats before they cause further damage to government systems and digital infrastructure.
Among the key measures are strengthening Domain Name System (DNS) security across government platforms, verifying possible system breaches and shutting down fraudulent websites impersonating official government portals.
The playbook also seeks to improve protection for vulnerable government websites and other digital systems that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
Under the resolution, government agencies will be required to strengthen incident reporting procedures and designate breach-notification officers to ensure faster coordination and response to cybersecurity incidents.
The committee also called for coordinated measures to address misleading information and information operations that could affect public institutions.
Compliance assessments will likewise be conducted to determine whether government agencies have implemented the necessary cybersecurity safeguards.
During its meeting Tuesday, the NCIAC reviewed a briefing from the DICT and NCERT on the growing convergence of cyber and cognitive threats targeting government institutions.
The discussions focused on identifying weaknesses in government digital infrastructure and recommending additional measures to prevent unauthorized access, system disruptions and other security incidents.
The DICT also reminded the public to exercise caution when using online platforms, particularly when receiving suspicious messages, links and requests for personal information.
Internet users were advised to verify the authenticity of websites before entering sensitive information, check the accuracy of online content before sharing it and report suspected cybersecurity incidents through official channels.
The department emphasized that public vigilance remains essential in preventing online fraud, misinformation and other digital threats.
Through the NCIAC, the DICT said it would continue coordinating with government agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities and improve the country’s response to emerging threats.
The initiative forms part of the government’s efforts to establish a safer and more resilient digital environment while protecting public institutions, critical information systems and Filipino internet users.
