Palo Alto Networks, USAID ink MOU to boost cybersecurity in the Philippines │ GMA News Online
California-based cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday signed an accord to boost cybersecurity capabilities in the Philippines.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by Palo Alto Networks regional vice president for ASEAN Steven Scheurmann and USAID Philippine acting mission director Rebekah Eubanks at a ceremony in Mandaluyong City.
Under the MOU, Palo Alto and USAID will collaborate to develop programs and activities, and provide technical assistance and expert advisory in a bid to aid the growing demand for digital transformation in the country.
The areas of collaboration between the two parties include assessments, audits, training, skills development, and certifications for cybersecurity talents.
The partnership is also aimed at boosting the Philippines' capabilities to defend against malicious entities by implementing a "zero trust" framework — Palo Alto's strategic approach to cybersecurity by eliminating implicit trust and continuously validating every stage of digital interaction.
At a press briefing, Palo Alto Networks country manager for Philippines Oscar Visaya said, “Governments are modernizing their networks to take advantage of digital innovations and improve the way they communicate with citizens. As they modernize their IT infrastructure, their cybersecurity must keep pace with these developments.”
“Through this collaboration, we are keen to bring our expertise to help strengthen the defense posture of the Philippines' ICT (information and communication technology) ecosystem and produce the digital way of life for Filipinos,” Visaya said.
The partnership is seen to increase the adoption of e-commerce and other digital services by increasing consumer confidence through awareness and promotion of safe computing practices, and the adoption of international standards and best practices.
The accord is also in line with USAID’s five-year project Better Access and Connectivity Activity, which aims to expand digital connectivity in the Philippines. —KBK, GMA News
Gloss