With its significant leap in global cybersecurity rankings, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Tuesday, Sept. 17, expressed confidence that the Philippines will soon be recognized as a global leader in cybersecurity.
During the televised Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, DICT Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Renato “Aboy” Paraiso discussed the country's improved cybersecurity rating.
Citing the 2024 United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), Paraiso noted that the Philippines moved up to 53rd from 61st in 2020.
“We improved in the four pillars of the GCI index,” Paraiso said. “This is very significant,” he added, emphasizing that the Philippines is “just points away” from reaching Tier 1 status.
Paraiso attributed the improved ranking to significant progress in securing the nation's cyberspace.
From Tier 3 to Tier 2
The report, released on Sept. 12, revealed that the Philippines' cybersecurity score rose to 93.49 points from 77 points in 2020.
DICT explained that this places the Philippines just 1.51 points away from joining Tier 1, which includes the world's best in cybersecurity laws, technology, organizations, training, and international cooperation.
Despite being “relatively new” to cybersecurity, Paraiso said the Philippines’ proximity to Tier 1 speaks volumes about the ongoing initiatives to strengthen the country's cybersecurity.
“It means both our cybersecurity posture and capacity are improving. We are close to becoming a global leader,” Paraiso said in a mix of English and Filipino.
He credited the current administration for its contributions to this progress.
In addition to the changes in the country's cybersecurity approach, better cooperation with other agencies and continued capacity-building have also played key roles in the Philippines' improved rating, according to Paraiso.
As part of its efforts to achieve a Tier 1 ranking, Paraiso said the DICT will continue initiatives such as enhancing international cooperation and holding dialogues with counterparts in other countries.
“Hopefully, we will reach Tier 1 in the next rating cycle, which happens every two to four years,” he added.
In a previous statement, DICT explained that the Philippines’ jump from Tier 3 (Evolving) to Tier 2 (Advancing) highlights the country's “marked improvements in key areas like providing technical skills, collaborating with other countries, organizing our cybersecurity efforts, and building capacity to fight cyber threats.”
The GCI introduced the five-tier system this year, according to DICT.