CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY OF PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE ANTI-CYBERCRIME UNIT IN QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Cybercrime in the Philippines poses a significant threat to individuals due to malicious online activities. To combat this, the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) actively monitors and addresses various types of cybercrime, including ransomware, security breaches, and intellectual property violations, particularly in Quezon City. These crimes can have severe consequences, underscoring the importance of public education on how to protect oneself from such threats. Preventing cybercrime attacks and raising awareness on safety measures are crucial steps in reducing the impact of cybercrimes and ensuring the security of citizens online. A descriptive research design and purposive sampling method were utilized in this study to collect data from fifty (50) personnel of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Unit. A detailed survey questionnaire was employed to gather insights from the participants regarding the effectiveness of the current strategies in addressing cybercrimes associated with social media. This approach allowed the researchers to assess the efficiency of existing measures and to identify areas for improvement in combating cyber threats in the digital landscape. ased on the study’s results, the majority of participants were male (74%) and aged between 26 to 33 years (68%). Most respondents held a bachelor’s degree and had between two to four years of professional experience. When assessing cybercrime attacks on social media, particularly ransomware, the respondents strongly agreed with the statement: “Hacker access to your account, preventing you from opening it.” Security hacks were defined as unauthorized actions performed on computer systems. Moreover, attacks on intellectual property were considered by the participants as typically done for monetary gain or competitive advantage. To address these cybercrime concerns, the proposed solutions included using strong passwords to reduce the risk of hacks, avoiding clicking on links or opening attachments in emails unless expected, and regularly updating the software on computers and mobile devices. It is crucial to allocate additional resources to enhance and fortify our country’s cybersecurity efforts against cybercrimes. Increased funding would support the development of advanced security technologies, protocols, and methodologies, which are vital for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. These innovations would enable organizations to adopt stronger security measures, safeguarding their digital assets and maintaining the integrity of their systems. Investing in cybersecurity advancements is essential to protect sensitive information and ensure the resilience of our digital infrastructure.