Philippine Cyberspace Overview

The Philippine Cyberspace

• Cyberspace is a non-physical domain created by computer systems, comprising networks that use TCP/IP protocols for data exchange.
• Distinction between physical space (visible) and cyberspace (ethereal reality of information transmission).
• Real aspects of cyberspace include physical components like servers, routers, and cables, all part of digital or cyber infrastructures.

Definition of Cyberspace

• Cyberspace involves information posting, exploitation, manipulation, and trading via communication and information system networks.
• Created through interaction and collaboration among people and organizations, relying on physical infrastructure networks.

Significance of Digital Infrastructures

• Digital infrastructures are critical for managing vital sectors such as power plants, electric grids, transportation, and financial institutions.
• Essential for daily operations of businesses and government, aiding in communication, payroll, inventory tracking, and research functions.
• Considered strategic resources vital for national economic development, security, and overall well-being.
• Disruption or destruction of these infrastructures poses significant threats to national security.

Components of Cyberspace

• Includes digital infrastructures that connect national, regional, and global information networks.
• Enterprise Networks/Intranets: Independent local and wide area networks supporting organizational business applications.
• Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Gateways connecting packet-switching networks with Public Switching Telephone Networks (PSTN) for internet access.
• Regional Network Providers (RNPs): Offer WANs across large areas; act as integrators for client/server systems and provide internet services.
• Internet Backbone: Composed of organizations providing core internet infrastructure and connectivity services

Significance of Digital Infrastructures

• Digital infrastructures are essential platforms for various sectors in the Philippines, facilitating operations in social, political, military, and economic functions.
• Critical for managing power plants, electric grids, transportation, air traffic control, and financial institutions.
• Essential for daily business operations, influencing communication, payroll, inventory tracking, research, and food production.
• Considered strategic resources vital for economic development, security, and national competitiveness.
• Disruption of these infrastructures poses severe threats to national security.

Components of Digital Infrastructures

• Enterprise Networks/Intranets: Comprise local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN) interconnected via telecommunication channels for organizational applications.
• Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Serve as gateways to the Internet, primarily accessing it through telephone lines, and are sometimes termed second-level ISPs.

Challenges in Cyber Infrastructure Protection

• Foreign Intelligence: Governments and military agencies may exploit cyberspace for strategic intelligence gathering, including monitoring political and economic conditions.
• Cyber Crimes: Encompasses unauthorized access to networks, hacking, data theft, sabotage, and other illicit activities motivated by personal gain or political motives.

Increasing Risks to Cyber Infrastructure

• Rising dependence on digital systems for personal and business functions heightens vulnerability to cyber threats.
• Interconnectedness of infrastructures means that failure in one can critically impact others.
• Globalization demands real-time information sharing; failures can result in significant economic losses.
• Standardization across technologies creates common vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
• ICT serves as a force multiplier for both legitimate and malicious actors, offering speed, anonymity, and low-cost opportunities for disruption.

International and Domestic Cyber Security Regimes

• Global acknowledgment of cybersecurity as a vital international issue prompts collaborative efforts to protect cyber infrastructures.
• The Philippines embraces international guidelines for improving its own cyber security measures.

International Cyber Security Frameworks

• United Nations: Adopted Resolution 57/239 focusing on creating a global culture of cybersecurity, emphasizing elements like awareness, risk assessment, and accountability.
• APEC: Stressed the importance of establishing legal frameworks to combat cybercrime, ensuring cooperation among economies for investigation and prosecution of tech-facilitated offenses.
• ASEAN: Committed to forming National Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and sharing threat and vulnerability assessment frameworks among member countries.

Legal Regime in the Philippines

• The regulatory framework for cyberspace in the Philippines includes several key legislations:
  • Republic Act 7935: Regulates the telecommunications industry.
  • Republic Act 8484: Addresses access device fraud and regulates specific access devices.
  • Executive Order No 467: Governs satellite telecommunications facilities and services.
  • Republic Act 8747: Ensures readiness against the Y2K issue for computer systems and services.
  • Executive Order 269: Established the Commission on Information and Communications Technology for overseeing ICT initiatives.