DICT, Grab partner to promote cybersecurity, protect online consumers

MANILA, Philippines – With cybercrime a growing threat given the ubiquity of online transactions and e-wallets, Grab Philippines reiterated its commitment to protect app users by actively partnering with government agencies mandated to promote cybersecurity.

This is according to Grab Philippines Public Affairs Head Atty. Sherielysse “Booey” Bonifacio, who on Sunday said that “public-private sector collaboration is an integral component of efforts to fight digital crime, which is why Grab is working with agencies such as the DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) to ensure the security of our platform.”

“With e-commerce in the country estimated at half a trillion pesos last year, and it being projected to hit a trillion pesos by 2026, it is imperative for the private sector to be proactive in efforts to protect Filipino consumers who are doing more and more of their transactions online.”

Bonifacio said Grab Philippines recently partnered with the DICT to help promote cybersecurity and share strategies to combat financial technology (fintech) and e-commerce crime with a three-hour knowledge session “Cybersecurity in Fintech and E-commerce” held on June 27 as part of activities organized during the Digital Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Week held by the DICT to mark 2023 National ICT Month.

At the session, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz stressed Grab’s commitment to ensure the safety and security of its platform users as she pointed out “the real and growing threat of cyberattacks on platforms, such as phishing and identity theft leading to fraudulent transactions on e-wallets.”

DICT Undersecretary Paul Mercado noted that it was vital to increase public awareness and vigilance against various cybersecurity threats that exist, while Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Dy of the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau shared the highlights of the 2023-2028 National Cybersecurity Plan, which includes steps to strengthen the cybersecurity policy framework, securing and protecting Critical Information Infrastructures, and capacitating the workforce in cybersecurity, among others.

Following the session was a panel discussion joined by the Philippine National Police, DICT and Grab Financial Group that tackled cybersecurity and cybercrime threat landscape and enforcement activities. Another panel composed of the National Privacy Commission, the Bangko Sentra ng Pilipinas and the Fintech Alliance, on the other hand, discussed cybersecurity in payment services.

At the start of Digital Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Week, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy pointed out that the country must harness the power of technology while ensuring the safety and security of its digital future.

“As we build a resilient and inclusive digital infrastructure that empowers every Filipino,” said Uy. “We must also safeguard our digital ecosystem from threats and vulnerabilities.”

Digital Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Week focuses on the crucial role of digital infrastructure and cybersecurity in promoting digital transformation and progress across various sectors. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of digital infrastructure and cybersecurity in building a safe and secure digital environment.