In today’s digital-first landscape, where cyber threats evolve just as rapidly as the technologies designed to combat them, PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, and ePLDT, PLDT’s ICT subsidiary, are reinforcing their commitment to cybersecurity. Championing efforts to educate, empower, and inspire proactive action toward a safer and more secure cyberspace, the group is urging its clients and customers to transform every employee and leader into a “Human Firewall.”
According to Alexis Bernardino, Field CISO and Cybersecurity Product Head of PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT, respectively, “Fraud schemes like phishing, smishing, vishing, and other similar scams, continue to increase in the Philippines. Given all these dangers, we continue to empower our clients’ workforce to become the first line of defense against cyber threats.”
A Snapshot of the Threat Landscape
The Philippines is one of the most active digital markets in the world and with it comes heightened exposure to cyber threats. Phishing, SMShing, and vishing attacks continue to proliferate, with scammers impersonating executives, hijacking QR codes (quishing), and sending fraudulent messages through messaging apps. These attacks continue to grow with cybercrime economy projected to hit $10.5 trillion globally by 2025, reflecting how valuable digital data has become.
Now, these threats have become local realities: fake CEO messages, spoofed HR announcements, and urgent payment requests are targeting Filipino businesses more frequently. But many times, a simple call to verify a suspicious message can help a company avert a major breach.
#CommittedToCybersecurity: From Awareness to Empowerment
PLDT Enterprise and ePLDT continue to promote a culture of cyber resilience through practical education. By simplifying technical topics and emphasizing everyday action, they provide essential cyber hygiene tips:
- “Pause, Check, Protect” before clicking on links or responding to unusual requests.
- Verify identities using trusted communication channels.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to secure logins.
- Separate work and personal device usage to prevent crossover risks.
- Avoid oversharing on social media, which scammers use for reconnaissance.
“At PLDT, we are committed to providing secure systems and building a digital community where vigilance is second nature,” Bernardino shared.
Securing Systems and Strengthening Trust Through Innovation
To support this, PLDT Enterprise, together with ePLDT, delivers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that include protecting employee devices and data, providing professional services to improve organizations’ security postures, and offering AI-enabled managed solutions that identify, analyze, and prevent cyberthreats.
With a proactive cybersecurity strategy shaped by decades of experience, ePLDT’s certified experts lead threat intelligence, detection, and rapid response initiatives, equipping customers with tools, tailored insights, and 24/7 protection from real-world attacks.
From advanced threat detection to real-time incident handling, ePLDT works closely with customers to assess risks, close vulnerabilities, and stay one step ahead of evolving threats.
In addition, PLDT Enterprise, the first and only telco in the Philippines to receive the GSMA Open Gateway API certification, empowers businesses with Silent Authentication, an innovative solution that enhances customer protection by enabling secure, frictionless digital transactions. This eliminates the need for traditional passwords and OTPs by allowing merchants to verify identities directly with the telco network via the Application Programming Interface.
This kind of human-plus-technology approach ensures that cybersecurity involves both the systems in place and the people who use them.
A Shared Responsibility for a Safe Digital Philippines
Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of IT departments. Everyone has a role to play. “You can’t outsource vigilance,” Bernardino emphasized. “Every organization must embed a cybersecurity mindset into the very grassroots of their organizational culture.”
This vision aligns with the broader agenda of sustainable development of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling safe digital access, promoting inclusive education, and protecting economic activities.
“Cybersecurity has now evolved from a technical task to a shared responsibility. Our mission is to embed that cyber-first mindset into every Filipino business, and there is no better time to start than today,” Bernardino said.
