The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) in Romblon Province on September 10 conducted a one-day cybersecurity caravan in Romblon State University (RSU) Main Campus to promote awareness and online safety to students.
Based on the Philippine National Cyber Security Plan, DICT is mandated to “ensure the rights of individuals to privacy and confidentiality of their personal information; ensure the security of critical ICT infrastructures including information assets of the government, individuals and businesses; and provide oversight over agencies governing and regulating the ICT sector and ensure consumer protection and welfare, data privacy and security, foster competition and the growth of the ICT sector.”
DICT’s Provincial Officer for Romblon, Engr. Racquiel G. Aguba said in an interview that more or less 560 students and faculties of RSU’s Institute of Information and Technology (IIT) attended the cybersecurity caravan.
“The objective of this cybersecurity caravan is to promote awareness regarding the effects of cyber bullying, hacking, ATM frauds, and all connected to cyber security and cybercrime,” Engr. Aguba explained.
Engr. JC Cueto from DICT’s Field Operations Office – Luzon Cluster 3, also urges students to understand the cyberspace, cyber crimes, and the risks of social media.
“Social media users are the most vulnerable in terms of cybercrime because we post everything we do in Facebook, Twitter. We are vulnerable to Phishings, Malwares, Hacking, Cyber Bullying, and Electronic Theft,” Engr. Cueto said during his discussion.
Meanwhile, the university thru the Chairman of BSIT Department, Sarah Jane Fallaria, thanked the Department of Information and Communication Technology for this kind of caravan becauses this one of the way to teach students on how to protect theirselves.
“Napakatimely na isa sa activities ng DICT ay ang awareness caravan like this cybersecurity and data privacy lalo na sa mga students like you na malimit gumagamit ng internet. Isang way ito para maturuan kayo on how to protect yourselves online,” Mrs. Fallaria said.