The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in Manila is actively seeking more financial support to enhance its battle against cybercrimes next year. Assistant Secretary Mary Rose Magsaysay, the deputy executive director of CICC, revealed that they have approached the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for funding a crucial research and development initiative. This project aims to create innovative tools to tackle cyber threats like ransomware and cyberfraud.
Magsaysay expressed hope and faith, stating, “We are funding it. We have sought assistance from DOST and we pray to God for the opportunity to secure the funding.” She emphasized the necessity of developing their own tools due to the high costs involved, which can run into hundreds of millions. “We are breaking the barrier at the entry point to solve cybercrime, making it affordable for all law enforcement agencies,” she added during her appearance on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Program on PTV-4.
Earlier this year, CICC collaborated with De La Salle College of Saint Benilde on a PHP15-million research project, funded by DOST, to develop an anti-smishing program. This initiative focuses on creating machine learning algorithms to detect smishing attempts by analyzing patterns. Additionally, it will incorporate natural language processing, an AI technology that examines SMS content to identify phishing attempts that could lead to fraud and identity theft.
The benefits of this research are expected to extend to other law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity professionals. Magsaysay highlighted the significant role AI plays in solving cybercrimes. Looking ahead to 2025, CICC plans to promote a digital forensics laboratory specifically designed for women and children who are victims of sexual abuse and exploitation. Magsaysay proudly announced, “One thing about 2025 is that our public needs to know that we now have the world’s first OSAEC/CSAEM digital forensics laboratory dedicated solely to cases involving women and children.”