U.S., Philippines tackle cybersecurity threats

THE U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) recently gathered Filipino and American security and justice sector representatives to exchange best practices and share knowledge on addressing cybersecurity issues such as investigating the criminal use of cryptocurrencies and responding to computer and network intrusion.

To mark U.S. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Filipino law enforcement personnel meet at a roundtable hosted by INL to exchange knowledge and best practices on responding to cyber threats.

“We all have a clear interest in strengthening norms that mitigate cyber threats and enhance stability in cyberspace,” INL Director Kelia Cummins said.

Eight officials from the National Bureau of Investigation, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency—all graduates of the INL-supported International Law Enforcement Academy in Bangkok—participated in the roundtable and committed to closer interagency collaboration to enhance the capacity of law enforcement personnel amid the increasingly advanced tools and technology used by cyber criminals. 

Officials from the Department of Justice and the National Police Commission also attended the roundtable for the Philippine side, while representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice-Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service were present as observers and advisory subject matter experts. 

The roundtable participants agreed to reconvene in six months to assess progress on each agency’s cyber-related goals and to support open lines of communication across agencies.  The Philippines’ Department of Justice also shared its plans to further develop its information-sharing network to facilitate interagency cooperation. 

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the United States is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about digital security, highlight the importance of cybersecurity in national security, and empower individuals with the tools they need to stay safe online domestically and internationally. 

It is also an occasion to call on stakeholders to take action in protecting individuals and enterprises against cyber threats and working with global partners to hold cybercriminals accountable. 

Globally, INL promotes proactive action against cybercriminals through international law enforcement cooperation and bilateral, regional, and global capacity-building, technical assistance, and training to adapt to the transnational and constantly changing landscape of cybercrime.  

INL also supports the development of legal and institutional frameworks and relationships that enable diplomatic and law enforcement collaboration across borders. (Mindanao Examiner)