PH, US hold cybersecurity talks in Washington

—Kacper Pempel/Illustration/file photo

WASHINGTON DC, United States — The Philippines and the United States have reaffirmed their commitments to cybersecurity and digital connectivity cooperation during the United States–Philippines Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue held in Washington.

Manila’s delegation was led by Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy and Washington’s was led by US Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick.

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One of the biggest discussions was about regional cooperation on cybersecurity, especially on ransomware, in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Participants explored new ways for the United States and the Philippines to promote cyberspace stability, including through further discussions on the role of accountability in cyberspace and deterring malicious cyber activity,” US Department of State said in a statement on Friday.

“In particular, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen cyber resilience. Both sides committed to further discussions on the protection of critical infrastructure against malicious cyberactivity and enhanced collaboration between respective national Computer Emergency Readiness Team,” the statement continued.

The two nations also emphasized the importance of strengthening cybersecurity and protecting privacy intellectual property rights, and digital freedom will support the development and growth of the global digital economy.