DICT teaches gov’t data handlers how to fight online defamation

By Rosalita Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte --- The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has launched a campaign to protect government data handlers in the province from online defamation, specifically teaching them how to combat slander on social media.

In a training session titled “Cybercrime: Effective Reputation Management Techniques,” Antonio Jimeno Jr., a cybercrime consultant for the DICT, emphasized the importance of safeguarding online reputations due to the prevalence of defamation through social media platforms, particularly Facebook.

The hands-on seminar was attended by government employees responsible for information and communication technology, human resources, data privacy, warrants, records, and information dissemination.

Jimeno highlighted that part of the training involved documenting cybercrime incidents, noting that by the time a complaint reaches authorities, crucial online evidence is often already deleted. He emphasized the need to promptly gather this evidence so that, even if the content is removed, the collected documentation can still be used in court against those spreading defamation.

According to Jimeno, the primary platforms for these attacks include Facebook, Facebook pages, Facebook groups, Instagram, blog sites, adult websites, and Google search engine results pages (SERPs).

He also covered online reputation attack tools, including photo editing software, video editing applications, face-swapping apps, fake social media accounts, platforms that facilitate the spread of misinformation, hacking tools, shared One-Time Pins, recovery tools, and even personal laptops and mobile devices.

Likewise, he discussed hacking, which involves the use of various types of malware, or malicious software.

The sessions included topics such as the causes of malware exposure, potential threats, prevention strategies, and available remedies.

Jimeno referenced RA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Among the offenses listed under RA 10175, Section 4, are cybercrimes such as illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, system interference, misuse of devices, and more.

Individuals found guilty of any punishable acts enumerated in Section 4 may face imprisonment and fines ranging from at least P200,000 to an amount proportional to the damage incurred, as stipulated in RA 10175, Section 8.

“It’s essential to know how to mitigate cybercrime attacks, as many of our teachers experience these issues,” said Jay de la Torre, an information and communication technology officer with 15 years of experience at the Department of Education.

He expressed his intent to share the knowledge he gained from the seminar with teachers through capacity-building initiatives for information and communication technology coordinators, enabling them to disseminate this information within their respective areas.

According to De la Torre, he can assist teachers facing cybercrime incidents by using the hands-on skills he acquired in collecting evidence before perpetrators have a chance to delete malicious posts.

He mentioned that he learned the dos and don’ts outlined in RA 10175, as well as strategies to enhance one’s online reputation using search engines.

“I realized how sophisticated criminals have become. I hope the Philippine National Police and the public become even more informed,” said Police Staff Sergeant Erano Paden, from the E-Warrant, Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit of the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office.

Paden noted that based on what he learned from the seminar, he can offer initial advice to complainants on how to secure evidence before they approach the PNP’s cybercrime unit.

“As a data protection officer for the local government of Daet, we ensure that we do not violate any provisions of the Data Privacy Act, especially concerning personal data such as medical records, disabilities, and all constituents listed in the Community-Based Monitoring System, as well as data from various departments,” said Joan de la Fuente.

She added that the seminar was highly beneficial for maintaining an online reputation and provided techniques for addressing cases where the local government of Daet’s website has been hacked.

DICT-Provincial Officer Aileen Rillon thanked the participants who attended the training, which enhanced their skills in securing their data, managing their online reputation, and executing takedown procedure services. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)