Recent data breaches have highlighted the vulnerabilities of businesses in the Philippines, raising significant concerns about their readiness to handle cybersecurity threats. Despite the growing sophistication of cyberattacks globally, only a small fraction of Filipino companies, around 1%, are considered adequately prepared to defend against such threats. This alarming statistic underscores a broader reluctance to adopt advanced cybersecurity measures, which are often seen as complex and challenging to implement. Experts from the cybersecurity firm Yondu emphasize that businesses must overcome this hesitation and prioritize robust data security for the sake of their operations and customers.
“Threat intelligence has to grow in a certain community. In our country, there’s no one source for all the knowledge of the threats that happen. Somehow, we are not united. That’s one thing that we want to build,” according to Dennis Sanchez, Chief Information Security Officer at Yondu. Sanchez stresses the need for a collaborative community where experiences and threat patterns can be shared, thus enabling better prediction and prevention of future cyberattacks.
To bolster cybersecurity for Philippine businesses, leveraging the expertise of innovative technology partners is crucial. Yondu offers comprehensive Managed Security Services (MSS) that span various security domains, including monitoring, detection, and incident handling.
“Traditionally, you set up defenses to detect and respond to attacks quickly. But beyond that, you need proactive measures like vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and staying informed about the latest threats. Instead of just waiting for attacks, you should test your own systems and use up-to-date techniques. Understand what hackers are doing and apply those methods to your own defenses,” Sanchez explains.
Yondu’s CISO recounts a notable success story that underscores the effectiveness of these proactive measures. “During the Christmas season, our early threat intelligence gathering and proactive threat hunting enabled clients to remain secure and enjoy their holidays without interruption,” he notes.
Yondu’s approach is tailored to ensure that each business receives solutions that meet its unique needs, simplifying technology implementation and making it more effective. For proactive measures such as penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, they deploy a specialized VAPT team. To understand and predict future attacks, they utilize advanced threat intelligence capabilities and conduct threat hunting to uncover potential threats that existing security systems might miss.
Adopting these cybersecurity solutions offers businesses immediate and long-term benefits. Enhanced protection against cyber threats, reduced risk of data breaches, and improved operational continuity are among the key advantages. Customized cybersecurity solutions help businesses feel more secure online and protect their valuable assets from potential cyberattacks.