Cybersecurity in the Philippines: Why Cebu’s Growing Businesses Can’t Afford to Wait

The Philippines continues to rank among the most targeted countries for cyberattacks, with ransomware, phishing, and AI-driven threats becoming daily risks for businesses. While large corporations are often equipped with advanced defenses, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) remain alarmingly vulnerable. In fact, one breach can cripple operations, drain finances, and permanently damage customer trust.

This urgency is exactly why SecureLink Networks has expanded its footprint to Cebu, signaling the critical need for localized and enterprise-grade cybersecurity protection in one of the country’s fastest-growing business hubs. Cebu’s economy fueled by outsourcing, retail, and tourism relies heavily on digital infrastructure, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals.

During a press conference on August 19, SecureLink co-founder and chairman James Tsiolis underscored the changing nature of threats, noting that cybersecurity risks are no longer abstract they can shut down critical systems, disrupt financial operations, and compromise vast amounts of consumer data. As cyberattacks evolve with the power of AI, organizations must go beyond securing individual devices. Entire infrastructures now require robust defense strategies.

SecureLink’s Cebu expansion is particularly significant for SMEs. Historically, smaller businesses in the Philippines have lacked the resources to invest in protection that matches enterprise-level standards. By tailoring solutions that are reliable, scalable, and cost-effective, SecureLink aims to level the playing field. As CEO James Velasquez emphasized, “Cybersecurity is no longer optional it’s critical to business survival.”

The partnership between SecureLink and Lenovo further strengthens this mission, offering scalable, end-to-end solutions designed to match the pace of Cebu’s rapid digital growth. By embedding both hardware and software into ready-to-deploy packages, businesses now have more accessible ways to secure their digital transformation journey.

While SecureLink’s move is a welcome addition to Cebu’s cybersecurity landscape, it also highlights the larger reality: every business, regardless of size, must take proactive measures before an attack happens. Prevention is always more affordable than recovery.

At Directpath Global Technologies (DGT), we share this commitment to strengthening digital resilience. As a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), we deliver solutions such as Mobile Threat Defense (MTD), Extended Detection and Response (XDR), Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), SOC2 compliance, Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS), Web Application Firewall (WAF), and vCISO services. With the support of our Artificial Intelligence Division, we help organizations big or small tailor security strategies that not only guard against today’s threats but also position them to thrive securely in the future.

The message is clear: Cebu’s growth is promising, but without strong cybersecurity, progress can quickly turn into risk. Businesses that act now will be the ones that survive and lead in the digital economy. Source: SunStar