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In an age where invisible dangers can be exposed with just a click, IT security experts are sounding the alarm about the risks lurking on social media and public Wi-Fi networks.
With cybersecurity threats looming large and recent data breaches targeting Philippine government agencies, Ben Oano, chief operating officer of cybersecurity firm ReSecurity, said in an interview that , said it should serve as a warning to businesses and even government agencies alike.
Recently, the official Facebook page of Cebu-based Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center was hacked.
Ouano called on individuals to be cautious about their social media activities in the face of heightened cybersecurity risks.
Read: Cybersecurity in the Philippines: How the Philippines counters digital threats
Mr. Oano emphasized that protecting personal information online is extremely important and emphasized that cybersecurity threats will always exist.
He said “individuals must exercise caution” when it comes to “social media activity.”
He advised against sharing sensitive information such as addresses, phone numbers and other personal information on public platforms as it could be misused by malicious parties. Cybersecurity experts recently collaborated with private and government stakeholders in Cebu to increase cybersecurity awareness.
Additionally, Wano warned Filipinos to be cautious in using public Wi-Fi networks, which pose serious risks to the security of personal data. Ouano warned that logging into such networks could expose individuals to a variety of cyber threats.
“Everyone should be scared,” he said, because literally everyone is vulnerable to these hackers.
The conversation around cybersecurity awareness extends beyond personal defense, as Ouano emphasized the need for businesses and government agencies to be more vigilant.
Recent reports of compromised Philippine government websites and social media pages highlight the urgency of the issue. Agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation are among the latest to suffer data breaches by hackers.
Mr. Ouano pointed to positive developments on the part of the Philippine government in response to these incidents. He observed increased awareness and proactive measures being taken to address cybersecurity risks.
Currently, the company is actively collaborating with key agencies such as DOST, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen the country's cybersecurity mechanism, he said.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and proliferate, Ouano emphasized the importance of collective action and continued vigilance to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
He called on individuals, businesses and government agencies alike to prioritize cybersecurity measures to effectively reduce risks.
Read more: Why cybersecurity is important for every business
Cybersecurity in the Philippines: How the Philippines counters digital threats
