I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world 🌐 of cybersecurity at CybersecconPH 2023. The event brought together some of the brightest minds in information security,🧱🧱💻🇵🇭🖥️🧑‍🚒 including the godfather of Philippine cybersecurity👴👴🏾 and esteemed elders of the Philippine infosec community. It was truly a privilege to gain insights into the current state of security in the Philippines🇵🇭 and delve into the long-term plans and goals of the country’s infosec community.

One fascinating highlight of the event was learning about the Cyber SEA games🎲🎯🎱🏉, a novel concept that promises to be a game-changer in the field. The prospect of such cyber competitions is both exciting and promising for the future of the South East Asia cybersecurity community.

In addition to the wealth of knowledge gained, I also had the pleasure of reconnecting with my mentors in the realm of open-source Linux. Our meet-up was a refreshing opportunity to catch up, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in the infosec world.

However, it wasn’t all positive news. I was disheartened💔💔💔 to learn that the Philippines ranks as the second most targeted country by hackers. This unfortunate distinction has turned our nation into a hub for hidden attacks 👨‍🏭👩‍🏭aimed at other countries. There’s work to be done to bolster our cybersecurity defenses and protect against these threats. The private sector’s perception of the Philippines as lagging in this regard underscores the urgency of improvement.

On a brighter note, the insights shared by representatives from JNSA and IdNSA regarding infosec best practices were invaluable. Their wisdom emphasized the critical importance of collaboration and information sharing in the fight against cyber threats. These principles are the cornerstone of a strong defense against cyberattacks.

I couldn’t help but dream of attending the cybersecurity event in Tokyo scheduled for October. However, for now, it remains a wishful thought. Nevertheless, the knowledge and connections I gained at CybersecconPH have motivated me to continue my journey in the ever-evolving field of information security.