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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Putting skills to good use: DICT launches 'HackForGov 2024'

Putting skills to good use: DICT launches 'HackForGov 2024'

Published May 3, 2024 04:05 am

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Friday, May 3 kicked off the annual nationwide cybersecurity competition "HackforGov 2024" Capture-The-Flag (CTF).

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All systems go for HackforGov 2024, a nationwide cybersecurity competition at Lucky China Town Hotel in Manila on May 3, 2024. Organized by the Cybersecurity Bureau - Philippine National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT/CERT-PH), this event empowers the next generation to tackle cybersecurity challenges through hands-on experience and shared responsibility. (DICT)

In his keynote speech, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy, encouraged all participants to pursue ethical hacking to help the country in defending against cyber threats.

"Harness your skills for good rather than evil. With hacking tools and techniques becoming increasingly accessible, the temptation to exploit vulnerabilities for personal gain or mischief is strong," Uy said.

"Yet, the choice between becoming a protector or a disruptor in the digital realm is clear: choose the path of integrity and responsibility," he added.

Uy then urged the players to join forces with the government to pursue a shared objective, particularly in fortifying its digital infrastructure, rather than working in opposition.

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HackforGov 2024 kickoff at the Lucky China Town Hotel in Binondo, Manila on Friday, May 3, 2024. (Sonny Daanoy/ Manila Bulletin)

"The government needs skilled individuals who will combat cyber threats and ensure the safety of our shared digital future. With us, you can channel your expertise for the greater good and help support our nation’s progress by securing our digital borders," he said.

The kick-off and National Capital Region (NCR) level of the competition took place at the Lucky China Town Hotel in Binondo, Manila.

According to the event organizer, the winner will advance to the regional level, and the winners at the regional level will compete in the national competition scheduled for September or October 2024.

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Students from the National University-Fairview (NU-Fairview) are gearing up for their participation in "HackforGov 3. (Sonny Daanoy/ MB)

Additionally, the competition will select a "wild card" team and member to secure a slot in the national championship.

The HackforGov 2024 is a nationwide cybersecurity competition organized by the Cybersecurity Bureau - Philippine National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT/CERT-PH).

The initiative is geared towards educating students on the significance of cybersecurity while offering them practical exposure to thwarting virtual threats.

In this year's competition, participants are urged to confront genuine cybersecurity obstacles.

This transforms their involvement from mere competition to a tangible stride towards a safer digital landscape, where their expertise and insights hold the potential to enact genuine change.

Read full mechanics and rules of HackforGov 2024:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/2/hackfor-gov-2024-empowering-the-youth-in-cybersecurity

In October 2023, the DICT conducted the national championship of the "HackforGov Finals: Capture-the-Flag Competition 2023" in Manila with the theme “Building Cyber Champions: Strengthening our Nation through Cyber Awareness and Action.”

READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/16/dict-underscores-need-to-invest-in-a-cyber-resilient-future-for-ph

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Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)
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