MMDA, CICC ink cybersecurity coop pact

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center signed a Memorandum of Agreement which seeks to aid in close collaboration, coordination and effective joint action towards cybersecurity initiatives.

This comes as the MMDA requested the CICC for technical assistance on the conduct of information communications technology security, cybercrime resilience and data protection assessments of the agency's critical information infrastructure.

The agreement — signed by Artes and Artes and CICC executive Director Alexander Ramos — also stated that the MMDA will work in close coordination with CICC along with other relevant government agencies and private sector organizations on initiatives towards cybersecurity and anti-cybercrime planning and policy formulation.

MMDA acting chairperson Atty. Don Artes underscored the importance of cybercrime resilience amid rapid technological advances.

"We are very thankful to the CICC for their assistance in ensuring that appropriate and effective cybercrime risk mitigation measures are in place," Artes said.

He added that cyber protection is vital to the agency, which handles large amounts of data such as apprehensions and video footage of the major thoroughfares recorded via CCTVs along Metro Manila.

"Our partnership with the CICC will aid in safeguarding these crucial data that we handle on a daily basis as we remain committed to our vision of a safe and livable metropolis," Artes said.

The CICC, on the other hand, will allow authorized representatives of the MMDA to access NCH resources, technical expertise, and institutional/international linkage towards the fulfillment of MMDA mandates.

Aside from the ICT security, cybercrime resilience, and data protection assessments of the MMDA's CII, the CICC will likewise assist the MMDA in the pursuit of its key digitalization projects such as the revitalization of its Security Operations Center, among others, to ensure that cybersecurity and cybercrime risk mitigation are achieved.

The CICC will also work in close coordination with MMDA, along with other relevant government agencies and private sector organizations, on initiatives towards cybersecurity and anti-cybercrime planning and policy formulation.

The two agencies will also share both of their resources to enable a more effective implementation of their respective mandates.