The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is intensifying measures to safeguard the integrity of the 2025 national and local elections, driven by the urgency of emerging cybersecurity threats. Under Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, the DICT is responding to the growing risk posed by cybercriminals, emphasizing their constant evolution and creativity in bypassing safeguards.
Uy highlighted the significant threat posed by international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) catchers, devices that intercept telecommunications signals to harvest sensitive data. This device, paired with increasingly sophisticated “carrot-and-stick” tactics where fraudsters entice victims with promises of rewards or coerce them into clicking malicious links, is raising alarms. The cybercriminal strategies put voters and candidates alike at risk, contributing to the rise in digital fraud.
The DICT, in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), is addressing these challenges head-on. As chair of the COMELEC advisory council, Uy is working on bolstering election integrity by enhancing detection systems and combating misinformation and disinformation. The partnership with ABS-CBN, formalized through a recent covenant signing, reflects a shared commitment to combat cyberattacks, deepfakes, and false narratives that threaten public trust in the electoral process.
In addition to these initiatives, DICT has implemented new policies to protect citizens from digital fraud. SMS messages from official sources are now prohibited from containing clickable links, and telecommunications providers are tasked with blocking suspicious content. The department is also enforcing the SIM Registration Act to further mitigate fraudulent activities. Furthermore, the Cyber-Bantay initiative has been launched to improve the public’s cyber hygiene and raise awareness about online security.
With these comprehensive measures, the DICT demonstrates its dedication to maintaining a secure and credible election process. By strengthening detection mechanisms, fostering collaboration with various stakeholders, and educating the public, the DICT aims to safeguard democracy, ensuring that the 2025 elections will be free from the disruption of digital threats.
