PH, Australia boost cyber defense cooperation

The Philippines and Australia have pledged to enhance their cooperation in cyber defense amidst rising global and evolving national security threats in the digital space.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Australian Defense Force Joint Force Cyber Component commander Air Commodore Paul Pettigrew to discuss strengthening cybersecurity.

Discussions focused on Australia's 'Defend Forward' initiative and potential cyber capacity building with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense.

Both nations recognized the importance of deepening their partnership in the cyber domain, extending beyond tactical collaboration to include governance and strategic planning.

Australia has affirmed its commitment to assist the Philippines in developing secure and interoperable cyber defense systems.

The Philippines' weak cyberdefense systems have led to national security vulnerabilities and economic losses, with incidents ranging from foreign actors allegedly breaching the President's office and stealing sensitive documents to more than 80% of businesses facing cyberattacks last year.