Understanding the Dangers of Cyberspace Warfare: Insights from Marcos

Philippines Bolsters Cybersecurity Defenses Amid Rising Global Cyber Threats

archyde.com – In-depth Analysis

Published: March 22, 2025

Marcos Jr. Calls for Adaptability in the Face of Cyber Warfare

On a Saturday in April 2024, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the Philippine Army (PA) during its 128th-anniversary celebration at Fort Bonifacio in taguig City, delivering a stark warning about the evolving nature of modern warfare. He emphasized the critical need for adaptability and unwavering discipline as cyberspace emerges as the new frontline.

Marcos stated, “Ours is a world that continues to evolve. Threats have grown increasingly more complex,and the battleground is no longer contained in land. It now extends into cyberspace and beyond.” This acknowledgment underscores the growing recognition worldwide, and particularly within the U.S. national security apparatus, that cyber warfare is no longer a theoretical threat but a present reality.

The U.S. has seen firsthand the impact of cyberattacks, from the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in 2021, which disrupted fuel supplies across the East Coast, to ongoing attempts to interfere wiht elections. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to malicious cyber activity.

Marcos further added, “The challenges demand greater adaptability, greater discipline and further commitment to the nation’s security and progress.” This call to action resonates with similar initiatives in the United States, where the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is actively working with businesses and government agencies to enhance cybersecurity preparedness.

The Philippine Army’s Role in a Digital Battlefield

President Marcos acknowledged the pivotal role of the philippine Army in safeguarding the nation’s security, highlighting their “relentless efforts in strengthening its defense capabilities and enhancing its ability to detect, address and recover from threats.”

Though, he stressed that conventional military prowess is no longer sufficient. Soldiers must possess “unwavering resolve in the face of adversity, principles unshaken by fear or doubt, and a heart always ready to serve with loyalty, expecting nothing in return,” he said.

This sentiment echoes the U.S. military’s approach, which increasingly integrates cyberwarfare capabilities into its operational strategies.U.S. Cyber Command, for example, plays a critical role in defending the nation’s critical infrastructure and supporting military operations through cyberspace.

The challenge for both the Philippines and the United States lies in recruiting and training personnel with the specialized skills needed to defend against complex cyberattacks. This requires investing in cybersecurity education and creating career pathways that attract talented individuals to public service.

National Cybersecurity Plan adoption

In April 2024, the Philippines formally adopted the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) national cybersecurity plan. This plan, formalized in a two-page document signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on behalf of the President, emphasizes the need to strengthen the security and resilience of the Philippines’ cyber and physical spaces.

This move parallels ongoing efforts in the U.S. to enhance national cybersecurity. The Biden administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, released in 2023, outlines a five-pillar framework for protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure and promoting a resilient, secure, and vibrant digital ecosystem. These pillars include:

1. Defending critical Infrastructure
2. Disrupting and Dismantling Threat Actors
3. Shaping Market incentives to Drive Security
4. Investing in a Resilient Future
5. Forging International Partnerships to Pursue Shared Goals

The Philippine cybersecurity plan, details of which remain somewhat limited in publicly available documents, likely addresses similar concerns, adapting global best practices to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the Philippines.

Personal Interests Aside: A Call for National Unity

Marcos emphasized the importance of setting aside personal interests to achieve a “more united, more just and truly peaceful nation.” He asserted that “In any institution, rank or power is not enough. The true measure is the willingness to put aside personal interests for a higher purpose.”

This call for unity is particularly relevant in the context of cybersecurity, where effective defense requires collaboration between government agencies, private sector companies, and individual citizens. Sharing threat intelligence, coordinating incident response efforts, and promoting cybersecurity awareness are all essential components of a robust national cybersecurity posture.

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

One potential counterargument to the emphasis on military involvement in cybersecurity is the risk of mission creep. Critics might argue that the military should focus on traditional defense roles and leave cybersecurity to civilian agencies. Though,the interconnectedness of modern warfare necessitates military involvement in cyberspace. Protecting critical infrastructure from cyberattacks, for example, is essential for supporting military operations and ensuring national security.

Another counterargument is the potential for government overreach in the name of cybersecurity. Critics might worry that enhanced surveillance and data collection measures could infringe on privacy rights.Balancing security and privacy is a complex challenge that requires careful consideration. Obvious oversight mechanisms and robust legal protections are essential for preventing abuse.

The Enduring Legacy of the Philippine Army

President Marcos concluded by highlighting the philippine Army’s enduring legacy. “For 128 years, the Philippine Army has stood as a pillar of strength and of stability. In its more than a century-long history, the institution has defended our nation, our constitution and ensured the safety of our people to every trial, whether in combat, in crisis or in calamity.” The challenge now is to adapt this legacy of service and sacrifice to the digital age.

© 2025 archyde.com. All rights reserved.

What role do you think the public plays in the collaborative cybersecurity efforts?

Interview: Strengthening Cybersecurity in the Philippines with Dr. Elena Ramirez

archyde.com – In-depth Analysis

Published: March 22, 2025

Archyde News Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ramirez. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the Philippines’ evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Dr. Elena ramirez (Chief Cyber Security Strategist, DICT): Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic, especially in light of President Marcos Jr.’s recent statements.

Marcos Jr.’s Cybersecurity Push

Archyde News Editor: Precisely. President Marcos highlighted the shift of modern warfare into cyberspace. How notable is this recognition for the Philippines’ cybersecurity posture?

Dr. Ramirez: It’s a critical turning point. The President’s acknowledgment underscores the importance of adapting to evolving cyber threats. We’re seeing a global trend, and the Philippines must be proactive. The Colonial Pipeline and other attacks are stark reminders of the vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure.

Philippines’ National Cybersecurity Plan

Archyde News Editor: The Philippines adopted a national cybersecurity plan in April 2024. Can you elaborate on its key components?

Dr.Ramirez: While details are evolving, the plan mirrors global best practices. It focuses on several key areas: defending critical infrastructure, disrupting cyber threat actors, fostering market incentives for security improvements, investing in a resilient future, and forging international partnerships for shared goals. We’re also actively working on public-private partnerships to enhance cybersecurity preparedness – using strategies outlined by CISA.

Philippine Army’s Role in Cybersecurity

Archyde News Editor: President Marcos also acknowledged the Philippine Army’s role. How are thay integrating into cybersecurity?

Dr. Ramirez: Traditionally, the military focuses on conventional defense. However, in the digital age, they are essential. The Army is strengthening its defensive capabilities and is training personnel with the specialized skills needed to handle modern threats. This involves a multifaceted approach, incorporating lessons learned from the U.S.Cyber Command.

Addressing the Challenges

archyde News Editor: What are the biggest challenges in building a robust cybersecurity framework in the Philippines?

Dr. Ramirez: One is the skill gap – a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. We’re investing heavily to improve cybersecurity education, creating career pathways, and attracting talented individuals through various incentives.Another is the need for strong collaboration between government agencies, private sector companies, and the public.We need to ensure everyone knows the basics of cybersecurity, such as using strong passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication, as outlined by CISA’s best practices. We need to back up data and utilize encryption, among many others.This call for unity is as the President indicated, key. This includes a focus on user education and training to recognize and report phishing attempts.

Balancing Security and Privacy

Archyde News editor: The balance between enhancing national security and protecting individual privacy is a constant tightrope walk. How does the Philippine plan aim to achieve this balance?

Dr. Ramirez: We are very conscious of this. Cybersecurity must not come at the expense of civil liberties.Robust legal frameworks and oversight mechanisms are, therefore, integral to plan implementation.We’re working to create clear guidelines so that citizens are well protected.

Looking Ahead

Archyde News Editor: What are your key priorities for the next year?

Dr. Ramirez: Top priorities include bolstering our critical infrastructure, improving our incident response capabilities, and increasing public awareness. We aim for the Philippines to be more resilient against cyber threats, aligned with the five pillars of the Biden management’s National Cybersecurity Strategy.

Call to Action

Archyde News Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Ramirez. Any final thoughts for our readers?

Dr. Ramirez: Cybersecurity requires a united front. We call on everyone—government, businesses, and individuals—to take proactive steps toward online safety. Implementing the fundamental practices, as outlined by CISA, can make a difference. Remember to stay informed about emerging threats. What role do you think the public plays in the collaborative cybersecurity efforts? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.