Privacy body: Secure data systems this Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos who will go on break this Holy Week should secure not just their homes but also their data systems to prevent cybercrimes, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said yesterday. 

Noting that major cybercrimes such as the Bangladesh bank heist happened on a long weekend, the NPC urged data protection officers (DPOs) in both the private and public sector to secure their systems before the long weekend. 

“Our DPOs should safeguard their information technology systems as well as ensure that adequate physical security are in place during times of minimal staffing,” said privacy commissioner Raymund Liboro. 

The NPC issued a memorandum to DPOs recommending the placing of non-critical systems offline, and ensuring that all activities on such systems are recorded and secure. 

The privacy body also urged the protection or encryption of files and databases on servers, desktop computers and other devices. 

For individuals, the NPC said the public should double-check if their devices have the latest security patches before going on a trip, saying data connectivity may be slower while on the road and that downloads for security updates may not be possible. 

Liboro also reminded Filipinos to back up their personal and work data securely, noting that cybercrimes are often committed during long holidays.  

“Users also need to be vigilant of emails and fake websites that aim to extract log-in credentials from unwary users. There has been an increase in these, and users need to be cautious in accessing their accounts from their own devices and most especially from shared devices,” he said.