PLDT and Smart Strengthen Vendor Relations to Strengthen Supply Chain

PLDT and Smart are working closely with key technology partners to fortify the group’s cybersecurity and keep customers safe from cyber-attacks. Early this month, PLDT and Smart’s Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) met with third-party vendors and service providers to discuss how to further secure the PLDT group’s intensified cybersecurity drive.

“The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. To eliminate any weakness in our value chain, we are closely collaborating with our technology partners to make sure that everyone is on board our cybersecurity culture,” said Angel T. Redoble, FVP and Chief Information Security Officer of PLDT and Smart.

Representatives from more than 20 contracted companies attended the event. Third-party vendors play a key role in the PLDT group’s cybersecurity infrastructure. They provide PLDT and Smart with critical products and services that help the group monitor its assets, warn against attacks, contain threats, secure data, and enable the companies to deliver innovations that serve customer needs.

Redoble shared the group’s response process to cybersecurity concerns and identified instances where vendors can contribute to containing the threat before it causes disruptions. He further stressed the need for rapid action once an alarm has been triggered.

 

“It is important that within two minutes, the incident is contained. We need to have an established process with our vendors, so we can quickly respond to cyber-attacks and prevent a crisis,” said Redoble.

 

In 2022, CSOG foiled more than 182 million attacks and breach attempts against its assets. As the PLDT group embarks on a customer-centric transformation, Redoble stressed that customer protection is a top priority. He reiterated the group’s commitment to collaborate with its technology partners to help PLDT and Smart deliver meaningful connections and experiences for their customers to live fuller life.

 

PLDT and Smart’s collaborations with key partners to beef up their digital infrastructure are part of a broader effort to elevate the Filipinos’ experience by keeping customers and the country safe from threats and attacks. These initiatives highlight the group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 9 on Industries, Innovation, and Infrastructure.