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CCS’ myCyberSafe seminar empowers cooperatives with critical cybersecurity knowledge and skills

Dec 10 2024

The myCyberSafe: Cybersecurity Awareness Seminar was successfully conducted on December 5, 2024, at the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NMPC) Head Office in Palao, with approximately 40 participants attending both face-to-face and online from various branches of the cooperative. 

The event, organized by faculty members of the Department of Information Technology (DIT) of the College of Computer Studies (CCS), in collaboration with ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT NMPC, focused on empowering cooperative employees especially the management committee and branch managers with critical cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

The seminar began with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Dr. Edward L. Banawa, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT NMPC, followed by an introduction to the myCyberSafe project by Ms. Jerina Jean Ecleo, project leader and faculty member of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT. The extension project highlighted the pressing need to address cyber vulnerabilities through education, as technological advancements continue to outpace awareness.

The morning session featured two insightful talks. Assoc. Prof. Mia Amor C. Tinam-isan delivered a session on “Securing Your Digital Footprint: Basic Cyber Hygiene for Cooperative Employees,” discussing Philippine-specific cybersecurity challenges and emphasizing the importance of “think before you click”. 

Asst. Prof. Paul B. Bokingkito Jr. followed with his presentation, “Guarding Your Digital Identity: The Essentials of Data Privacy and Security”. He provided practical tips on phishing recognition, cookie management, and password protection, with a key takeaway: “In a connected world, protecting your digital life is protecting your real life”.

After an interactive check-in activity in the afternoon, Asst. Prof. Jerame B. Beloy presented “The Legal Side of Cybersecurity: Laws and Regulations You Need to Know”. Her session shed light on RA 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act) and RA 10844 (creation of DICT plan), linking them to cooperative responsibilities under the National Cybersecurity Plan. Her message also underscored the risks of online oversharing.

An engaging open forum followed, where Atty. Eddie Bouy B. Palad, DIT Chairperson,  addressed participants' queries and reinforced the cooperative sector's role in adopting proactive cybersecurity measures.

The seminar was smoothly facilitated by emcee Ms. Ma. Camilla Ann R. Llamas, with technical support provided by Asst. Prof. Nenen Borinaga. Special acknowledgement was given to Internal Auditor Keithe Billones and Manager Aldie Alia of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT NMPC for their assistance in organizing the event.

The day concluded with closing remarks from ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT NMPC’s CEO Albert B. Teaño, JD, who highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT and ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT NMPC to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and practices.

This hybrid seminar marked a significant step toward building a more secure digital environment for cooperatives, demonstrating the power of partnerships in addressing emerging challenges in the cyber landscape. This project was made possible with the unwavering support of the IT Department, CCS, and the WE CARE Office of ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø-IIT. 

 

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