Promoting awareness of cybersecurity threats, Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Data Privacy Office (DPO), Technology Management and Development Department (TMDD), and the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS) partnered with Trend Micro Philippines to host the 2024 Cyber Defense Society Conference at the Prince Bernhard Gymnasium, SLU Main Campus, on 15 March 2024.
Students of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS IT), BS Electronics Engineering (BS ECE), BS Computer Science (BS CS), and BS Tourism Management (BS TM) participated in the conference and gained an in-depth understanding of the role of cybersecurity in reducing the risk of security breaches.
When asked about the thrust of the conference, Dr. Cecilia A. Mercado, Director for TMDD and Data Protection Officer of SLU, stated, “One of the functions of the Data Protection Office is to ensure that all the University’s stakeholders are aware of the cybersecurity threat landscape. Cyber skills and knowledge are enhanced within such a small period of awareness training. Activities such as this also reflect how the University secures and protects its digital assets and its data subjects.”
In line with this, Ms. Glory I. Dela Peña, Dean of the SAMCIS, spoke of the benefits of the changes that technology has brought, as well as the threats that have surfaced. “There are a lot of conveniences to technology, but you can not also deny that even with convenience, it could also be the cause of destruction. We are experiencing a lot of this, even in our simple communication. A click, a share can destroy a life or lives of others. It is important to understand not just the importance and application of it, but the responsibility that we need to manifest,” Ms. Dela Peña said in her opening remarks.
Tech Talks focus on the current cybersecurity landscape
Rodel Villarez, Principal of Technical Educator Core Tech; and Paolo Ronniel Labrador, Threat Response Engineer then began their Tech Talk on “Digital Defender: Mastering Cybersecurity Hygiene for Students”. They discussed the definition and factors that affect cybersecurity, including the importance of keeping oneself safe from threats. They reminded the audience that fostering user education ensures secure cybersecurity and emphasized that the greatest threat to one’s cybersecurity is their curiosity.
The second Tech Talk, “Journey from an Engineering Student to Cybersecurity Engineer,” was discussed by Mr. Ivan Nicole Chavez, Coretech Researcher and Threat Hunter. Mr. Chavez gave the audience a brief overview of his profession that they could consider in the future.
Mr. Paul Miguel Babon, Senior Threat and Data Science Research Engineer, took over with the third Tech Talk on “Exclusive Offer: Master the Art of Avoiding Digital Hoaxes- 100% Legit!!!”. In his discussion, he noted the tactics used to persuade victims of hoaxes. He also delved into the danger of fake information and provided guides to keep the students secure online.
The fourth Tech Talk was given by Joshua Royce Hipol and Jessica Balaquit, Senior Threat and Data Science and Research Engineers for Core Tech, centering on “The Current Threat Landscape: AI in Cybersecurity”. Ms. Balaquit discussed the technical side of navigating and solving network threats, while Mr. Hipol led the talk on the development of AI and its effects on cybersecurity.
Closing the conference, Ms. Alma Alvarez, Core Tech Director, shared her takeaways and thanked the hosts and audience for their participation. Shortly, Trend Micro Philippines gave a token of appreciation to Dr. Mercado, symbolizing the collaboration and partnership between both institutions towards common goals in data protection and cybersecurity. (Article by Sarah Navalta, UIO Intern | Photos by EJ Doña, UIO Intern)
The 2024 Cyber Defense Society Conference is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
