Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity landscape in the Philippines. At Palo Alto Networks’ Ignite on Tour event, the theme “Cybersecurity in the Age of AI” took center stage. Industry partners, customers, and cybersecurity experts came together “to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the cybersecurity landscape as well as the evolving threat tactics in the Philippines.”
As one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing digital economies, the Philippines is particularly vulnerable to emerging cyber threats such as ransomware and AI-based attacks. Analysis of Palo Alto Networks data reveals that ASEAN’s manufacturing industry is the most targeted by ransomware attacks, primarily due to difficulties in maintaining full system visibility and robust network monitoring. According to Palo Alto Networks’ State of OT Security report, 76.5% of organizations with operational technology systems reported attacks in the last year in the Philippines, and 70.6% expressed concern about AI-based threats.
Steven Scheurmann, Asean regional vice president at Palo Alto Networks, highlighted the impact of AI on business and cybersecurity during his keynote speech. He highlighted: “2023 is a decisive year for AI, which is transforming businesses. However, adversaries are also leveraging AI to accelerate, scale, and innovate their attacks. With its high internet penetration rate and multi-device usage, businesses in the Philippines are very susceptible. To overcome this problem, Philippine organizations must leverage the strengths of AI to be more secure and provide a better visibility and automation of their security processes.
Need for AI precision
Scheurmann then expanded on the critical role of AI in cybersecurity, highlighting that the Philippines is one of Palo Alto Networks’ most important markets in ASEAN. For organizations to move forward and continue on this path, they must operate with precision, using data and the application of AI to execute these decisions.
He illustrated the need for precision in AI with an analogy, comparing blurry images to clear images with Precision AI. “When I talk about precision AI, the mission of Palo Alto Networks and our organization is to use data and AI to make very, very accurate decisions 100% of the time,” he said.
Scheurmann also mentioned that AI will reach 1 billion users in seven years, a faster adoption rate than the Internet and mobile devices. This rapid proliferation requires organizations to rigorously monitor and secure the use of AI.
To combat AI-based threats, Palo Alto Networks introduced Precision AI, which integrates machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and generative AI (GenAI) for real-time applications . Palo Alto Networks integrates Precision AI across its platforms (Stra, Prisma and Cortex) to improve organizations’ security capabilities.
DSWD on AI-powered cybersecurity
During a fireside chat, Assistant Secretary Julius Gorospe, Chief Information Officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), discussed what the agency is doing to utilize the solutions of AI and strengthen its digital infrastructure as part of its Digital Transformation (DX) initiative.
DSWD has faced significant security challenges, including fragmented cybersecurity measures and server outages that disrupted operations. DSWD engaged Palo Alto Networks incident response services provided by the Unit 42 Consulting organization to help address cybersecurity challenges. Its security operating system has improved with the adoption of AI-based solutions such as Cortex XSIAM and Cortex XDR.
Gorospe shared the DSWD experience, emphasizing the importance of leveraging partnerships and automating processes. “So how do you think we could respond to these 25,000 incidents every month? And the big answer is we use AI,” he said.
Stop AI Attacks Before They Happen
This battle between cyberattacks and AI-based defenses will only intensify, and bad actors will also become better at deploying AI-based methods. To stay ahead of AI-based attacks, businesses should consider the following:
– Invest in AI-based cybersecurity solutions. Organizations must allocate resources to implement AI-based defense systems that can adapt to evolving threats in real time.
– Collaborate and share threat intelligence. Sharing threat intelligence with industry peers and security communities can strengthen collective defense against AI-based attacks.
– Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Educating employees on the risks and best practices related to AI-based cyberattacks can strengthen the organization’s overall security posture.
– Stay up to date with evolving AI technologies. Organizations must stay informed about emerging AI technologies and their potential applications in offensive and defensive cybersecurity efforts.
