The Philippines and Australia’s ties got a further boost as the two nations discussed ways to deepen their cooperation on cybersecurity, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced on Wednesday.
This came as the DND received a delegation from Australia to discuss shared challenges in cybersecurity, strengthen bilateral cooperation, and explore new avenues for cyber defense collaboration on Tuesday, the agency said in a statement.
“The meeting was chaired by DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito M. De Leon, while the Australian side was led by Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Brendan Dowling,” it added.
In the meeting, de Leon stressed the importance of deepening cooperation and convergence in cyber defense between the two countries.
Both sides highlighted areas of cooperation such as information sharing on policies and best practices, innovations in information and communication technology, and organizing joint cyber drills and tabletop exercises.
The discussions also covered possible defense technological cooperation such as building a skilled cyber defense workforce through exchange programs and workshops, research, and development, among others.
Meanwhile, DND Office for Cyber and Information System Management director Christine June Cariño provided an overview of the Philippines’ cybersecurity efforts, including the crafting of the Department’s Cyber Strategy and Policy.
The DND also noted the proposed activation of a Cyber Command under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and stressed the need for an adaptive and responsive cyber defense posture in the face of evolving threats.
Dowling also shared Australia’s approach to cybersecurity, which adopts a “whole-of-nation” strategy, to include the private sector, especially in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Both sides also expressed concerns over the growing threats from state and non-state actors, particularly about cyber defense.
The Australian delegation reiterated its commitment to collaborating with the DND and the AFP to build enduring cyber resilience and strengthen technology security in the region, offering capacity-building opportunities to further boost bilateral partnerships on cyber affairs and critical technology cooperation. (PNA)
