Tech brain drain fuels Philippines’ cybersecurity skills gap

A surge in malicious cyber activity has highlighted shortages of cybersecurity professionals – a problem in many poorer countries. — Unsplash

MANILA: Nurses, engineers, doctors – now cybersecurity experts. As the Philippines counts the cost of brain drain, a surge in malicious cyber activity has highlighted the country’s digital security skills gap.

US cybersecurity firm Resecurity reported a 325% jump in hacking and other digital intrusions targeting the Philippines during the first quarter of 2024 amid rising tensions with China, largely over disputed territory in the South China Sea.