Mariano Marcos
State University

PNP, MMSU conduct cybercrime awareness seminar

By Von Reynafe Acevedo, STRATCOM Intern

To equip students and employees with essential knowledge on cybersecurity, MMSU, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Ilocos Norte Provincial Cyber Response Team (PCRT), conducted a cybercrime awareness seminar at the MMSU Center for Flexible Learning (CFL) on April 10.

PCapt. Sharmaine Jassie Labrado, Ilocos Norte PCRT Team Leader, discussed Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, during her lecture. She explored cybersecurity and the laws governing cybercrimes in the Philippines, including computer-related offenses such as fraud, identity theft, and forgery, as well as content-related offenses punishable under the law.

Recognizing the increasing number of incidents involving information security, PCapt. Labrado emphasized the importance of using information and communication technology responsibly and cautiously. 
“Cybercrime awareness and cybersecurity are not only our responsibility but a shared responsibility,” Labrado emphasized.

The seminar concluded with an open forum, where participants actively engaged in discussions to deepen their understanding of cyber-related issues.

MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. expressed gratitude to the PNP for leading the seminar. “This is a manifestation of our cooperation with the authorities in ensuring that our constituents are knowledgeable about digital and security risks,” he said.

In recent months, educational institutions, including MMSU, have been targeted by cybersecurity threats such as bomb scares. This seminar aimed to educate students on attaining a healthy digital environment for the university.