Telco alliance bolsters defense vs. cybercrime

The industry-wide alliance of the country’s leading telecommunications operators is seeking to expand its membership to include government and law enforcement agencies amid rising threats to network infrastructure, primarily cyber-attacks and theft.

- BY DEXTER BARRO II

In a statement, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led PLDT Inc. said the National Telecommunications Security Council (NTSC) is evolving from an industry group into a full-fledged national defense body.

NTSC is composed of security professionals representing telco firms such as Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc., DITO Telecommunity Corp., and Converge ICT Solutions Inc.

Smart Chief Operating Officer (COO) Anastacio Martirez said the threats facing the industry require a national scope, with strong proactive intelligence sharing and policy alignment.

"Let us remember that no single entity, government or private, can address these threats alone," said Martirez.