BPO, gaming sectors “big investors” in Philippine cybersecurity
The business process outsourcing (BPO) and gaming sectors are “big investors” in cybersecurity, investments, services, and activities in the Philippines, according to an IBM executive. Malcolm Rowe, IBM business unit executive for Southeast Asia, said the two industries are important in cybersecurity in the country. Rowe said the BPO industry contributes significantly to big business in the Philippines. He added that its 24/7 operations depend on the internet, and that thus it has invested and continues to invest hugely in cybersecurity software and services. Rowe also said that the gaming sector is constantly subject to attacks for ransomware, theft, and exploitation. He pointed out that when it comes to cybersecurity attacks, there are already good investors in cybersecurity, detection, protection, and recovery, as well as financial services, infrastructure, and government. The Philippines took the 37th spot among 165 countries in the 2017 United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index and the 58th place among 175 countries in the 2018 International Telecommunication Union index.
