As the Philippines enters 2025, its rapidly growing digital economy has become an attractive target for cybercriminals. Recent data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) shows that between October and December 2024, more than 26.8% of Filipino users encountered web-borne cyberattacks, placing the country 17th globally in web-related threats. These findings emphasize the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect businesses, individuals, and communities from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Adrian Hia, Kaspersky’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific, highlighted the importance of addressing these challenges, “This year is a chance for Filipinos to take charge of their online safety by building stronger defenses and staying one step ahead of cybercriminals. At the same time, we must focus on nurturing and developing local talent in cybersecurity to address this critical gap.”
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has identified low salaries as a major deterrent for cybersecurity professionals joining government service. This has contributed to the nation’s shortage of experts. As of 2022, the Philippines had only 200 cybersecurity professionals, a stark contrast to Singapore’s 2,000 specialists.
Web-borne attacks during the last quarter of 2024 were often carried out through browser vulnerability exploits and sophisticated file-less malware, which leaves no static trace on devices. In addition, offline threats such as those spread via USB drives remain significant, affecting 19.3% of users.
To counter these threats, Kaspersky advocates for businesses to adopt several measures. Companies are encouraged to keep software updated by installing patches promptly and regularly backing up critical data to ensure accessibility during emergencies. Remote desktop services should be secured with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and firewalls, while network activity must be monitored for unusual behavior. It is also essential to limit user access based on necessity and establish a Security Operations Center (SOC) equipped with tools like Kaspersky’s Unified Monitoring and Analysis Platform for real-time incident management. Furthermore, employees should receive cybersecurity education, and teams should be upskilled through advanced training programs.
For individual users, Kaspersky recommends creating strong and unique passwords while enabling two-factor authentication for all accounts. People should be cautious about clicking on suspicious links and sharing personal information online. Public Wi-Fi usage should be minimized, or a virtual private network (VPN) should be used to encrypt connections. Installing reliable security software, such as Kaspersky Premium, can protect against phishing attempts, fraud, and malware.
By adopting these strategies, the Philippines can enhance its digital resilience and create a safer environment for both individuals and organizations. Kaspersky remains dedicated to empowering the country with the tools and knowledge needed to combat the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.