Trend Micro, a leader in cybersecurity, celebrated a major milestone in the eighth year of its free cybersecurity conference, DECODE. Held on September 10 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, the event set a new attendance record with over 1,100 participants. IT and cybersecurity professionals from across the Philippines gathered for a full day of networking, insightful talks, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. The event emphasized the crucial role of integrating emerging technologies to create a more resilient and secure future.
Alma Saturnino-Alvarez, Trend Micro’s Director for Threat Research and founder of DECODE, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming support DECODE has received over the years. From starting with just 500 attendees in 2017 to exceeding a thousand this year, we’re optimistic about the future of cybersecurity in the Philippines. We remain committed to supporting local professionals in their cybersecurity journeys.”
DECODE 2024 featured 24 track sessions, diving into diverse topics such as AI-assisted cybercrime and automotive security. The conference focused on how combining various technologies, especially artificial intelligence, can fortify defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
A highlight of the event was the first-ever session on vehicle security, led by VicOne, Trend Micro’s subsidiary specializing in automotive cybersecurity. Attendees packed the room as experts demonstrated how electric vehicles (EVs) could be vulnerable to hacking through their infotainment and radio frequency systems, raising awareness of potential threats to modern cars.
In the afternoon, a high-profile panel discussion brought together global cybersecurity leaders, including Robert McArdle from Trend Micro, Ivo De Carvalho Peixinho of Interpol, Ritu Gill from Forensic OSINT, and Ryan Flores from Trend Micro APAC. The panel covered pressing issues such as cybercrimes driven by generative AI and deepfakes, the importance of cybersecurity education for children, and practical strategies for businesses of all sizes to guard against data breaches and cyber attacks.
Closing the event, Ryan Flores delivered a thought-provoking message in his keynote address, reminding attendees that while AI can accelerate many processes, “learning, understanding, and creativity are what set humans apart from AI.” He urged participants to apply the knowledge gained at the conference to improve the security systems within their organizations and to build solutions that are ethical, secure, and beneficial for the common good.
DECODE 2024: Fusion Forward is part of Trend Micro’s broader mission to promote cybersecurity under the banner #EngineeredToDoGood. For further resources and information, both professionals and the general public are encouraged to visit Trend Micro’s official website or follow their Facebook page.
