Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), at a recent telco forum hosted by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), underscored the importance of collaboration within the telecommunications industry to combat the growing cybersecurity threats facing the Philippines. Lawyer Roy D. Ibay, Smart vice president and head of regulatory affairs, highlighted the critical need for real-time exchange of best practices and threat intelligence to protect consumers from malicious activities such as phishing attempts and scam links.
“Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle that requires a collective effort. Smart remains committed to working closely with regulators, industry partners, and customers to build a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem,” Ibay said during his presentation at the ARTA-led event, themed Securing our Connectivity: Fortifying the PH Telecommunications Sector.
The forum brought together government agencies, mobile network operators, independent tower companies, and other stakeholders. Ibay discussed the range of cybersecurity challenges facing the sector, including network vulnerabilities from new technologies, IoT security gaps, and emerging threats like AI-powered cyberattacks. He also emphasized the need to continuously adapt security measures to protect user privacy and prevent data breaches.
Smart’s proactive approach to mitigating cybersecurity risks aligns with its ongoing efforts to strengthen the overall digital infrastructure in the country. The event also marked the launch of a primer on Executive Order No. 32 (EO 32), a new policy aimed at streamlining the permitting process for telco infrastructure. ARTA secretary Ernesto V. Perez stressed that EO 32 would help accelerate the deployment of vital network infrastructure and facilitate the government’s goal of a connected, digitalized, and progressive Philippines.
Since 2019, Smart and its parent company, PLDT, have been actively collaborating with various government agencies and stakeholders to fast-track the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). This aligns with PLDT’s commitment to digital inclusion, education, and economic growth, while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9, which focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
Smart’s call for industry-wide collaboration underscores the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a collective responsibility in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
