Outbreak management systems to help prevent another ‘wave’ of Coronavirus

Many countries across the globe commended for their eradication or containment of the Coronavirus, now have new fears of facing a potential ‘second’ or even ‘third wave’ of the virus with new outbreaks and clusters starting to appear in different parts of their nation.

Australia

In Australia, it has seen many successful attempts to stop the spread of Coronavirus, like in Melbourne, Victoria where they had strict restrictions in place for 111 days and now has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 or deaths in 17 days. New concerns have been raised about a potential outbreak in South Australia, that numbers could rise quickly in a matter of days.

International flights into South Australia have been suspended for this week, gyms will close and there will be a cap of 100 people at pubs, clubs and restaurants as the state moves to tackle a growing cluster of Covid-19 cases for the first time since April.

The premier announced the restrictions on Monday after the state reported 17 cases of Covid-19 connected to an outbreak from a quarantine hotel for returned travellers, a similar situation to what had happened previously in

South Korea

South Korea reported more than 200 new coronavirus cases for the third consecutive day on Monday, as the government considered tightening social distancing to prevent recurring outbreaks from offices, medical facilities and small gatherings.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced the cases as the highest since early September.

The new cases are the most South Korea has seen in more than two months and concern health officials because they are coming from various small clusters, from workplaces to cafes to social gatherings, making them more difficult to trace.

Technology to prevent spread, mitigate risk and lessent the impact

Technology cannot prevent the onset of the pandemics; however, it can help prevent the spread, educate, warn, and empower those on the ground to be aware of the situation, and noticeably lessen the impact.

Technologies like mobile, cloud, analytics, robotics, AI and ML have made it possible to test several innovative approaches to the pandemic response.

Technology can be used to combine health data with travel data, to build a monitoring system and provide real-time alerts. For example, sending automatic alerts to individuals if they have travelled to the infected vicinity and details of their nearest clinic or test centre.

AI-based data analytics and predictive modelling are enabling governments and industry to understand more aboutthe virus. By using AI platforms, it has become easier to gain new insights or approaches on how to address the COVID-19 outbreak better.

Thermal scanners and other similar infrared body temperature measuring devices have become essential at immigration, airports, hotels, hospitals, train stations, shops, and other public places. These technologies can measure body temperature from a distance and are effective in pinpointing individuals who may need further investigation.

Outbreak Management Technology Solutions on one platform

Liberty & Passage developed by Access Anywhere, a total outbreak management system, combines cutting edge technologies all on one platform and can be used across various sectors including airports, cruise lines, immigration, and tourism boards. It also provides a useful tool for all industries to restart their business.

Liberty & Passage, using AI and ML, has been designed to help provide relevant timely information and build the confidence required to restart free movement between countries and continents, giving travellers when crossing borders and authority’s confidence when processing foreign visitors at customs.

Liberty & Passage an outbreak management solution for individuals, organisations, and the entire travel industry.

The Liberty Universe is for the entire population with Liberty Open designed for everyone to manage their personal risk, Liberty Corporate for organisations to ensure a safe return to work, and Liberty Passage for travel and the reopening of borders. Everyone gains from the vast insights the system provides to be able to go about their normal lives whilst keeping as safe as possible against this phenomenal threat.

By joining the three pillars together, ‘the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts’ giving the general public, employees, and travellers more liberty to move with confidence and a smarter understanding of their risk exposure using cutting edge technology.

Innovation in technology is helping to manage the pandemic and better equip countries when dealing with the current public health emergency and for future public health emergencies. Outbreak management systems will be the key in building confidence, mitigating risk and enhancing safety in everyday life. For more information on how the Liberty Solution works – please visit www.libertyandpassage.com

Hong Kong Advancing Autonomous Driving and C-V2X Tech

The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and a driverless vehicle company, established by a Chinese multinational technology corporation, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively advance the implementation of autonomous driving and C-V2X technology in various scenarios within Hong Kong. The partnership also aims to explore opportunities for cooperation in developing High-Definition Maps (HD Maps), thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s smart mobility ecosystem.

The Vice President of Communication Technologies at ASTRI and the Head of Business Development at the driverless vehicle company signed the agreement. The signing was witnessed by the Chief Operating Officer of ASTRI and the Head of the international arm of the company.

As part of this collaboration, the two parties will extend the implementation of C-V2X technology to additional scenarios. The driverless vehicle company will provide support to ASTRI in the research and development of roadside infrastructure. Specifically, the company will deploy its Operating System of Intelligent Road Side (Smart Road Air OS) at the Sha Tin Smart Mobility Public Testing Route, aiding ASTRI in its endeavours.

This partnership capitalises on the tech company’s expertise in developing C-V2X infrastructure, autonomous driving software, and intelligent transportation operations, along with ASTRI’s strong research and development capabilities in 5G communication technology, AI, smart mobility, C-V2X technology, and road-testing experience. By merging these strengths, the collaboration aims to expedite the deployment of C-V2X technology across various scenarios in Hong Kong.

To address the distinctive urban environment of Hong Kong, both parties will additionally explore opportunities for cooperation in the development of High-Definition Maps (HD Maps). These efforts will focus on enhancing the technology and usability of HD maps through experimental projects. By collaborating on this aspect, the aim is to create more accurate and comprehensive mapping solutions that cater to the specific needs of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

ASTRI has been actively involved in the research and development of C-V2X technology since 2015. With support from the Smart Transportation Fund of the Transport Department, ASTRI launched one of the world’s largest C-V2X public road tests in Hong Kong in 2021. This extensive test covered a 14km route from Hong Kong Science Park to Sha Tin town centre, allowing for the study and testing of C-V2X technology in various real-world scenarios on Hong Kong’s roads. The focus was not only on the technology itself but also on the necessary network and infrastructure.

Currently, the second phase of C-V2X public road tests is underway. The primary objective is to enhance road and pedestrian safety while improving traffic efficiency. This is achieved through the efficient, accurate, and rapid sharing of information leveraging one of ASTRI’s Hero Technologies: a high-speed, reliable, and low-latency 5G network solution.

In addition, the establishment of the “Smart Mobility (C-V2X) Technology Alliance” in April 2023 further enhances Hong Kong’s smart mobility ecosystem. This alliance promotes collaboration among the government, industry, academia, and research institutions, fostering cooperation on smart mobility and related technologies. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the implementation of C-V2X technology and infrastructure in Hong Kong, positioning the city as a model for smart cities.

Meanwhile, the company serves as a pilot unit for the state’s transportation sector. Its intelligent transportation business, along with its affiliated companies, is dedicated to spearheading the modernization of China’s intelligent transportation systems.

Their mission is to develop a world-class, integrated transportation system that aligns with the high-quality standards of being safe, convenient, efficient, green, and economical. Their efforts are in line with the overarching goal of achieving a transportation system that prioritizes people’s satisfaction, provides robust protection, and sets a global benchmark in terms of excellence.

The Association for Operating Systems of Intelligent Road Side was established in Beijing on 17 May 2023. This association introduced the Operating System of Intelligent Road Side (Smart Road Air OS 1.0) to the industry. The company, as one of the key technology contributors, will continue to adhere to the guiding principle of “Open Capabilities, Shared Resources, Accelerating Innovations, Sustainable Success.”

The company aims to foster the development of the smart transportation industry through an efficient, innovative, and mutually beneficial open-source association. By actively participating in this association, the company seeks to promote collaboration, encourage the sharing of resources and capabilities, and drive accelerated innovation within the smart transportation sector.

Equipping Philippine Government Employees with Cybersecurity Skills

In conjunction with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), a giant technology company will award 500 Cybersecurity Career Certificate scholarships to qualified government employees, equipping them with the necessary skill set to identify and mitigate common cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.

Even without prior experience, qualified government employees will be able to acquire the skills necessary for an entry-level position in cybersecurity through the 3–6-month self-paced programme.

Ivan John Uy, DICT Secretary stated that the Cybersecurity Career Certificate will help the Filipino workforce become more globally competitive. This will also empower them with the skills necessary to withstand cyber-attacks and create a safer, more secure online environment.

The DICT acknowledged the generous effort to aid the Philippines in its digital transformation voyage and anticipates additional opportunities for cooperation.

In collaboration with DICT Regional Offices, the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) is responsible for the evaluation, nomination, distribution, and monitoring of these accounts to qualified recipients of the Career Certificate Scholarship.

According to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium’s (ISC2) Workforce Study, there is a global shortage of 3,4 million cybersecurity professionals. Currently, there are only 202 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)-certified cybersecurity professionals in the Philippines.

It is essential to create more opportunities for Filipinos to acquire the necessary digital skills and pursue the cybersecurity field competitively. The institution is committed to working closely with local collaborators from the public and private sectors to assist in the development of the country’s next generation of cybersecurity professionals and experts. Interested candidates can contact ILCDB via email at ilcdb@dict.gov.ph.

The Cybersecurity Certificate is a wholly online programme that equips learners with the necessary skills for an entry-level position in cybersecurity, regardless of prior experience. Python, Linux, SQL, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) will be utilised.

Participants will gain knowledge regarding Programming for cybersecurity tasks, frameworks, and controls that inform security operations, utilising security information and event management (SIEM) tools for cybersecurity, detecting and responding to incidents using an intrusion detection system, and performing packet capture and analysis.

Cybersecurity education for government employees is of the utmost importance. Local, regional, and national government institutions handle and store a vast quantity of sensitive and confidential information.

This includes citizen data, national security secrets, financial records, and systems vital to the nation’s infrastructure. Without adequate cybersecurity measures, these priceless assets are susceptible to cyber threats and attacks.

Government employees play a crucial role in protecting these assets and the nation’s security. By studying cybersecurity, individuals acquire the knowledge and skills required to identify potential risks, mitigate vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to cyber incidents.

This includes being aware of the most recent cyber threats, recognising social engineering techniques, and instituting secure data handling and network access practices.

In addition, cybercriminals frequently target government employees due to the valuable information they possess. By training government personnel about cybersecurity, they become more resilient to these risks, lowering the likelihood of successful assaults and data breaches. Hence, cybersecurity expertise is necessary for effective policymaking and governance.

Government officials comprehend the implications and repercussions of cybersecurity-related decisions to create effective laws, regulations, and guidelines. Governments can improve their overall cybersecurity posture and protect critical infrastructure, essential services, and citizen data if they have personnel that is well-informed and knowledgeable about cybersecurity.

Ground-breaking ‘Signal Radar’ Solution Revolutionises Search and Rescue

The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and a partner company to enhance emergency rescue capabilities through an innovative solution called “Signal Radar.” This achievement was made possible by leveraging the extensive ecosystem of HKSTP, which comprises more than 1,400 companies within its parks, enabling effective solution scouting.

The ground-breaking solution, known as “Signal Radar,” harnesses local innovative technology to aid rescue teams in locating and saving lives, even in the most remote and difficult terrains. Developed in collaboration between the HKPF and a partner company, this solution, without explicitly mentioning the name, enables rescuers to effectively detect SOS signals generated by the “HKSOS” application.

By operating independently of mobile network coverage, the “Signal Radar” solution surpasses other wireless technologies in its category by detecting signals over significantly longer distances. Its remarkable capability extends to detecting SOS signals even in intricate terrains. Whether in densely forested areas or out at sea, the solution can accurately transmit the GPS coordinates of individuals in distress to rescue teams.

Hong Kong, with its more than 60 islands and 40% of the land designated as country parks, presents formidable challenges to rescuers due to its mountainous terrain. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) reports a staggering 370% increase in search and rescue missions over the past four years. In response to these limitations and growing demands, the “Signal Radar” solution has been specifically designed to address these challenges. It is believed that this solution has the potential to enhance rescue capabilities, enabling responders to seize the crucial “golden window” for saving lives.

The implementation of the partnering company’s patented technology in the “Signal Radar” solution marks the first time it has been used for a search and rescue application. This innovative solution has garnered international acclaim for its pioneering capabilities, as evidenced by its receipt of the Gold Medal award in the “Security, Search & Alarm” category at the prestigious 48th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva in April 2023, along with the Congratulations of the Jury. The unique attributes of this solution are expected to generate significant interest not only in Hong Kong but also in regions and countries worldwide that confront comparable challenging rescue conditions and scenarios.

The Senior Superintendent of Police from the Digital Policing Services Bureau of the HKPF emphasised that the adoption of new technologies in policing and the promotion of innovation and technology are strategic priorities for the HKPF. They highlighted the importance of collaborating and partnering with industry and academia to achieve these objectives. Notably, the HKPF stands out as the largest government department to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HKSTP, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and technology advancement.

The Vice President of Business Development from the partnering tech company expressed gratitude for the support received from HKSTP and the privilege of working with the HKPF to develop a significant and innovative solution aimed at saving lives. They eagerly anticipate the implementation of this locally developed solution in search and rescue operations, with the expectation that it will have a positive societal impact both locally and globally.

The Head of Partnerships at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation stated that the collaboration between the HKPF and the partner company goes beyond simply adopting a technology. The HKPF actively participated in the co-creation of a solution tailored to their specific needs and applications.

This approach holds significance in expediting the introduction of innovative solutions to the market. The aim is for this collaboration to set a precedent that encourages increased cooperation in innovation and technology between corporations, government departments, and startups.

In September 2022, the HKPF and HKSTP formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU outlined their joint efforts to explore innovative solutions in five specific areas: Search and Rescue Operations, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM), and Augmented Reality (AR).

The successful development of the award-winning “Signal Radar” solution, created through the collaboration between the HKPF and the partnering company, represents the first milestone achieved under this MoU. As part of their ongoing partnership, HKSTP has already facilitated the connection of over 40 tech ventures with the HKPF, aiming to drive innovation, promote technology commercialisation, and foster the implementation of technology within the innovation and technology sector.

Vietnam’s Approach to Child Safety in the Digital Age

In light of the risks posed by the advancement of information technology and the internet, the government, state, and the entire political system have taken significant measures to enhance the safeguarding of children within the online environment.

According to UNICEF, children are increasingly exposed to various risks, including the concerning issue of cyberbullying. The agency reports that one in five young individuals have experienced online bullying.

Reports have shown that the national emergency telephone number for child protection, 111, received nearly 420 calls about child protection in the online environment and 18 notifications about channels or video clips with harmful content for children in 2022. The figures in the first five months of this year were 128 calls and three notifications.

An expert from UNICEF’s children’s protection programme said that strategies to address cyber-bullying and abuse should be part of the broader child protection strategies. Cooperation and coordination among stakeholders are key to success in this work.

The Guidelines for Industry on Child Online Protection, developed by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serve as a framework for businesses. These guidelines offer solutions that businesses can adopt to ensure the protection and well-being of children, while also promoting a healthy and creative internet experience for children themselves.

Dang Hoa Nam, Director of the Department of Child Affairs under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in establishing a digital environment that is both safer and healthier for children. He highlighted the significance of drawing from both domestic and international experiences to implement targeted and practical measures aimed at ensuring children’s safety in the online realm.

Vietnam has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect children in the digital sphere, including laws such as the Law on Children, the Law on Cyber Information Security, and the Law on Access to Information. These laws provide a crucial legal foundation for child protection initiatives.

To safeguard children in the online environment, the government and the Prime Minister have issued several significant documents. These include the National Action Programme for Children in the 2021-2030 period and the programme on protection of and support for children.

Furthermore, Vietnam, alongside other ASEAN member nations, has collectively endorsed crucial agreements to protect children’s welfare online. This includes the adoption of the Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse in ASEAN in 2019, as well as the Declaration on the Elimination of Bullying of Children in ASEAN.

The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and several city Information and Communications Departments held a conference earlier this May on the launch and evaluation of the national cyber security and safety strategy. The event was held in Ha Long City.

As OpenGov Asia reported, servers are the primary targets of cyber-attacks in the country, aimed at stealing passwords and data. Last year in Vietnam, computer viruses resulted in economic losses amounting to VND 21.2 trillion (US$ 903 million). To ensure cybersecurity, MIC collaborated with various agencies to conduct three nationwide security exercises. The authority directly prevented over 3,600 fraudulent websites, safeguarding nearly 4 million people or approximately 6% of internet users.

Vietnam has set a goal to establish a cybersecurity research and development centre, safeguard information systems in 11 critical sectors, and establish cybersecurity forces at ministries, sectors, and state agencies by 2025.

Thailand’s FoodPrompt Smart Tech Enhancing Elderly Nutrition

As individuals approach old age, their bodies undergo various changes, particularly in terms of health, which becomes increasingly apparent. These changes, coupled with factors such as reduced appetite, difficulty in eating, malabsorption, alterations in body systems, and socioeconomic factors, contribute to a higher risk of malnutrition among the elderly.

When discussing malnutrition, the common association is often images of starving people in distant lands. However, this critical issue is ubiquitous and is prevalent within all communities, across the globe. One population, particularly at risk, is the elderly, who frequently require hospitalisation or reside in long-term care facilities, amplifying their vulnerability to malnutrition. In light of this, researchers at Chiang Mai University (CMU) have developed ‘FoodPrompt’ technology – a powerful tool to address nutritional needs.

FoodPromt stands out as a smart solution for personalised nutrition support and food fabrication. With its ability to create customised food using a 3D food printer and an intuitive application that empowers users to select flavours and shapes, this groundbreaking technology is particularly well-suited for individuals with malnutrition, most notably elderly patients who are already vulnerable.

Research indicates that the incidence of malnutrition among hospitalised elderly individuals ranges from 12% to 50%, while among institutionalised older adults, it can range from 23% to 60%, highlighting the heightened susceptibility of the elderly to malnutrition.

Recognising the significance of malnutrition among the elderly, the researchers at CMU identified that this condition is often neglected and not promptly addressed, leading to severe consequences, underscoring the importance of providing adequate support, particularly in terms of nutrition, for the elderly population.

FoodPrompt was developed by a team to seamlessly incorporate advancements from multiple fields. Its primary goal is to address the needs of individuals afflicted by malnutrition, with a particular emphasis on providing tailored support to vulnerable elderly patients.

Through the utilisation of advanced data analytics, machine learning algorithms, and state-of-the-art fabrication techniques, FoodPrompt endeavours to tailor nutrition plans and meal compositions to the specific requirements and preferences of everyone. By doing so, it aspires to foster optimal nutritional outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of elderly patients afflicted by malnutrition.

This new personalised technology is effective, as it has a nutritional assessment system that creates customised food using IoT. When accessing this platform, users are required to provide their data, which will be linked to the developed food fabrication system, specifically designed to create highly nutritious meals tailored to the needs of the target group.

Every user can use this technology and select the food of their choice. For instance, consumption analysis has an integrated system capable of identifying the types of food, the number of ingredients and consumption. Afterwards, it enables the user to compare the crucial nutrients based on the user’s database.

Additionally, the application allows users to select the flavours and shapes using a 3D food printer. Ultimately, patients can get enough nutrients while enjoying their high-nutrient favourite food with various flavours based on what they like.

This holistic approach facilitated by FoodPrompt will enable a comprehensive response to the intricate challenges posed by malnutrition, effectively catering to the specific requirements of the target group, elderly people. By seamlessly harnessing cutting-edge research with practical implementation, FoodPrompt proves CMU’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology to solve daily problems.

Harnessing Algorithms for Swift and Effective Biosecurity

In our interconnected and globally integrated world, the emergence of various pathogens is just a plane or ship journey away, and their impact can be substantial on both local and global economies. In light of this issue, Professor of Data Science, Alex Gavryushkin, is co-leading the new research exploring the algorithm to respond to a biosecurity outbreak swiftly and effectively.

Associate Professor Gavryushkin said that agriculture is vital for Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy and is the basis of global exports. The agricultural sector produces 40% of New Zealand’s exports. Agriculture is the backbone of rural economies, providing employment opportunities for farmers and farmworkers and supporting industries such as agribusinesses, equipment manufacturers, and food processing companies.

However, agriculture is not only limited as a significant source of employment in several rural areas. Its performance also influences the success of urban areas and many secondary industries which depend on it, increasing economic well-being and sustainability, influencing their growth, infrastructure development, and quality of life.

As we can see, agriculture brings a significant impact on New Zealand itself. People must take it seriously to prevent highly contagious viral infections such as foot and mouth disease (FMD). If agriculture were to be affected by such an outbreak, it could potentially throw the national economy into a recession, causing losses upward of NZ$16 billion.

Professor Gavryushkin strongly emphasises the significance of making highly accurate predictions regarding the potential spread of an outbreak. This accuracy is crucial in facilitating policymakers to foster their decision-making processes and implement effective measures to mitigate and control the outbreak’s impact.

By utilising advanced algorithms capable of dynamically updating results in real time, the research seeks to provide policymakers with up-to-date and reliable information about the evolving nature of the outbreak.

It includes predicting the areas at the highest risk of transmission and identifying potential hotspots, enabling policymakers to allocate resources strategically and implement targeted interventions to limit the spread of the disease

This research has the potential to significantly enhance the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to outbreaks, thereby safeguarding communities and facilitating a more efficient and proactive approach to public health management.

Afterwards, he is embarking on collaborating with the University of Auckland’s Dr Remco Bouckaert and partners from Massey University and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for doing research in terms of developing a new type of algorithm to improve outbreak response by providing more precision and accurate results.

The objective of the research is to create algorithms that can dynamically update results in real-time, eliminating the need to restart computations from the beginning when large volumes of new data are received. Instead, the algorithms will revise previous calculations and adjust predictions as necessary.

The current algorithm system presents policymakers with only one scenario, based on it being statistically the most probable. Its transmission tracing lacks the ability to effectively handle the continuous influx of new data, which is common during an ongoing outbreak when the transmission tree rapidly expands in size.

According to Associate Professor Gavryushkin, establishing a solid infrastructure for biosecurity algorithms will greatly enhance their ability to proactively address potential issues in the future. By conducting intricate and time-intensive pre-computations well in advance, including prior to outbreaks and concurrently with them, they can significantly mitigate challenges that may arise down the line. This proactive approach ensures that comprehensive preparations are in place, enabling a more efficient and effective response to biosecurity threats.

The Philippines National Cybersecurity Plan Shaping a Secure Cyber Landscape

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) invites all stakeholders, advocates, and concerned individuals to submit feedback, comments, and suggestions on the drafted National Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2023-2028 to provide a safe and reliable cyberspace for all Filipinos.

The goal of the public consultation on the draught of the NCSP 2023-2028 is to improve the final document, which is expected to be released by the end of 2023. All parties interested may offer their suggestions and comments to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Upskilling via email at oascu@dict.gov.ph. The outline NCSP 2023-2028 is organised around six (6) pillars, including:

Enactment of the “Cybersecurity Act” to strengthen the policy framework;
Secure and protect Critical Information Infrastructures (CII);
Proactively defend the government and people in cyberspace;
Operational and well-coordinated network of Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and SOC;
Capacitate workforce in cybersecurity; and
Enhancing international cooperation.

Ivan John E. Uy, secretary of the DICT, emphasised the importance of concerted action from all interested parties to create a trusted, dependable, and safe online environment for Filipinos.

“The NCSP 2023-2028 shows the importance of convergence among all government agencies in delivering our mission. It outlines steps on how each government agency can coordinate all their cybersecurity initiatives through the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee (NCIAC). It also harmonises all organisation CERT and defined two national-level CERTs,” said Secretary Ivan.

He also stated that there was a steady increase in internet-based transactions during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. The country gradually evolved to cashless transactions as electronic commerce and e-banking became commonplace, mostly because of inventions from the private sector. Cybercrime incidences rose as these advanced.

Cyberthreat actors took use of flaws and vulnerabilities in processes, technology, and human behaviour. In response to these changes, the National Cybersecurity Plan 2023–2028 (NCSP 2023–2028) was created.

The goal of DICT is to give every Filipino access to a trusted, secure, and reliable online environment. This demonstrates the necessity of protecting the government and the public online, as well as the significance of fostering the kind of trust required for online commerce to flourish.

The NCSP’s second iteration drew on the preceding strategy’s results while also demonstrating a policy shift. DICT is now attempting to establish a Cybersecurity Act to balance the economic linkages impacting noncompliance with cybersecurity legislation.

The new strategy also promotes policy based on standards and risk-based methods. Individual organisations, rather than entire sectors, are designated as CIIs if they fail, depending on their size and influence. A renewed emphasis on developing the cyber workforce, as well as the significance of improving international collaboration in cybersecurity, was also emphasised.

Most particularly, the NCSP 2023-2028 demonstrates the importance of collaboration among all government departments in carrying out its mandate. It details how each government agency can use the National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee (NCIAC) to coordinate all their cybersecurity initiatives. It also unifies all organisation CERTs and establishes two national-level CERTs.

Though the NCSP 2023-2028 has a sublime goal, DICT thinks this strategy can be successful with the assistance of all government agencies, the private sector, and all departments of government.

The National Cybersecurity Plan must be developed by DICT in accordance with RA 10844, hence, the National Cybersecurity Plan 2028 (NCSP 2028) draft is meant to serve as a guide for consultations, with the goal of using comments to improve the final version of the NCSP, which is scheduled to be released before the end of 2023.

June 6, 2023

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Outbreak management systems to help prevent another ‘wave’ of Coronavirus

Hong Kong Advancing Autonomous Driving and C-V2X Tech

Equipping Philippine Government Employees with Cybersecurity Skills

Ground-breaking ‘Signal Radar’ Solution Revolutionises Search and Rescue

Vietnam’s Approach to Child Safety in the Digital Age

Thailand’s FoodPrompt Smart Tech Enhancing Elderly Nutrition

Harnessing Algorithms for Swift and Effective Biosecurity

The Philippines National Cybersecurity Plan Shaping a Secure Cyber Landscape

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