Grab partners with DICT in fight vs cybercrime

Grab Philippines partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in promoting cybersecurity and protecting online consumers.

The partnership comes as Grab expressed commitment to protecting its app users against the increasing threat of cybercrime when using online transactions and e-wallets.

In a statement issued Monday, Grab Philippines Public Affairs Head Atty. Sherielysse “Booey” Bonifacio said public-private sector collaboration was an integral component of efforts to fight digital crime, which was why Grab was working with agencies such as the DICT to ensure the security of its platform.

“With e-commerce in the country estimated at half a trillion pesos last year, and it being projected to hit a trillion pesos by 2026, it is imperative for the private sector to be proactive in efforts to protect Filipino consumers who are doing more and more of their transactions online," Bonifacio said.

In the partnership, the two offices would share strategies to combat financial technology (fintech) and e-commerce crime.

Meanwhile, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz assured the public of the firm's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of platform users amid incidents of phishing and identity theft leading to fraudulent transactions on e-wallets.

For its part, DICT Undersecretary Paul Mercado noted that it was vital to increase public awareness and vigilance against cybersecurity threats that exist in society.

The partnership was part of Digital Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Week held by the DICT to mark 2023's National ICT Month. — DVM, GMA Integrated News