A screenshot from a webinar or online meeting discussing cybersecurity threats to businesses. The presentation slide raises concerns about the impact of cyberattacks, using a visual warning symbol. The meeting interface includes participant names, suggesting a collaborative or educational session.

The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna), in collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), successfully hosted a webinar titled “Cybersecurity Awareness: Minimizing Risks, Maximizing Security” on March 24, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This training, aimed at micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), was designed to enhance participants’ awareness, preparedness, and resilience against cyber threats by equipping them with essential knowledge and skills to safeguard their digital assets.

The program began with an inspiring message from Mr. Mark De Luna Royo, DICT Officer for LGU Alaminos, who highlighted the services provided by DICT within the municipality and emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting MSME growth in collaboration with DTI-Laguna.

Mr. Alfonso Fredericko Gonda, Planning Officer II at the Cybersecurity Bureau of DICT Region IV-A (CALABARZON), covered key topics such as common cyber threats—including phishing, ransomware, and data breaches—and shared cost-effective strategies to mitigate these risks. He also discussed methods for ensuring the online safety of MSMEs, while highlighting ways to protect businesses’ reputations.

The second speaker, Ms. Ruth Antonette Mores, Planning Assistant at the Digital Certificate Division of the Cybersecurity Bureau at DICT, presented on the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI). She explained how MSMEs can leverage PNPKI to implement digital signatures and encryption, safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of sensitive business data. This is particularly beneficial for securing online transactions, protecting customer information, and meeting regulatory cybersecurity and data privacy requirements. By utilizing PNPKI, MSMEs can minimize the risks of fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access, ensuring secure user authentication and document verification.

A screenshot from a webinar or online meeting discussing digital security for business owners. The presentation slide highlights the importance of vigilance and account security in digital payments, e-commerce, and social media. The meeting interface includes participant names and controls, suggesting a collaborative or educational session.
A screenshot from a webinar or online meeting with a large number of participants. The meeting interface shows a grid of participant names and video feeds, suggesting a collaborative or interactive online session.
A screenshot from a webinar or online meeting providing information on how to report cybercrime. The presentation slide lists key organizations and contact information for filing cyber complaints, emphasizing the importance of awareness and reporting. The meeting interface includes participant names, suggesting an educational or informative session.

Overall, the training emphasized best practices for data protection, safe online behavior, and compliance with relevant cybersecurity regulations. It also helped MSMEs develop incident response and recovery plans, ensuring business continuity in the event of a cyberattack. Ultimately, the program promoted a security-conscious culture within MSMEs, reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening their ability to operate securely in an increasingly digital world.

The webinar was attended by over 40 participants, including business owners, students, and government employees from Laguna and surrounding provinces. As the event concluded, attendees expressed their appreciation for the valuable and informative content shared during the session (MOCalongcalong, DTI-Laguna). ♦

Date of Release: 03 April 2025