In the heart of Metro Manila, over 1,100 IT and cybersecurity professionals gathered for a groundbreaking event that highlighted the growing importance of digital security in today’s fast-evolving landscape. DECODE 2024: Fusion Forward, hosted by Trend Micro at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, marked its 8th year with record-breaking attendance, underscoring the nation’s expanding commitment to cybersecurity and the fusion of emerging technologies.
Fusing Technologies for a Secure Future
As digital threats continue to evolve, so must the strategies and technologies used to defend against them. This year’s theme, Fusion Forward, perfectly captured the essence of Trend Micro’s approach: leveraging the intersection of artificial intelligence, automation, and innovation to strengthen the cybersecurity landscape.
For attendees, DECODE 2024 was not just a conference; it was a platform for knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and networking. The event featured an array of track sessions, from hands-on cybersecurity demonstrations to in-depth discussions about the impact of artificial intelligence on cybercrime. Topics ranged from AI-assisted hacking techniques to cutting-edge solutions for automotive cybersecurity.
One of the most attended sessions focused on automotive security, led by VicOne, a Trend Micro subsidiary that specializes in safeguarding connected vehicles. As the world transitions to electric vehicles (EVs) and smarter transportation, the risks of hacking are more real than ever. VicOne’s session not only highlighted these vulnerabilities but also demonstrated the alarming ways hackers could infiltrate EV systems through infotainment and radio frequencies—issues that could have far-reaching implications as EV adoption grows globally.
A Global Perspective: Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions
The afternoon’s panel discussion brought together a powerhouse of global cybersecurity experts. The panel included Robert McArdle, Director of Forward-Looking Threat Research at Trend Micro; Ivo De Carvalho Peixinho, Head of Interpol’s Cybercrime Intelligence Unit; Ritu Gill, Open-Source Intelligence Analyst and co-founder of Forensic OSINT; and Ryan Flores, Senior Manager of Forward-Looking Threat Research for Trend Micro APAC.
The conversation highlighted some of the most pressing issues in today’s cybersecurity landscape, including the rising threat of AI-generated cybercrimes, such as deepfakes and malicious software automation. The experts shared insights on the growing need to educate the public, particularly younger generations, about cybersecurity, as cyberattacks have become more sophisticated and prevalent.
McArdle pointed out the urgency for organizations, regardless of size, to ramp up their defenses. “The cyber threats we face today aren’t just growing in number—they’re getting smarter. With the help of AI, bad actors can launch more targeted and damaging attacks. Staying ahead of these threats requires not just innovation in technology but also education and awareness.”
AI: Friend or Foe?
Artificial intelligence was the star of the show throughout DECODE 2024. With AI increasingly integrated into every aspect of daily life and business operations, its potential for both good and ill was explored in depth. While AI can enhance security measures by automating threat detection and improving response times, it can also be exploited by cybercriminals.
In his closing remarks, Ryan Flores delivered a powerful reminder: “AI can accelerate all kinds of things, but learning, understanding, and being creative are what differentiate us from AI.” He urged attendees to harness AI as a tool for positive change and to use the knowledge gained at DECODE to improve their organizations’ systems—building solutions that are not only secure but ethical and for the common good.
DECODE’s Lasting Impact on Philippine Cybersecurity
Trend Micro’s DECODE 2024 is more than just an annual event—it’s a movement. From its humble beginnings in 2017, where just 500 attendees were present, DECODE has grown exponentially, mirroring the rise of cybersecurity as a critical priority for the Philippines. Today, it serves as the country’s largest cybersecurity conference, and its success reflects the growing awareness of and commitment to building a more secure digital environment.
DECODE has become a cornerstone for local professionals to keep up with the latest trends, enhance their skills, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. It’s also a testament to Trend Micro’s mission of being #EngineeredToDoGood, reinforcing the company’s dedication to empowering professionals and businesses to safeguard their digital assets in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
With digital threats constantly changing, the need for a united front in cybersecurity has never been more apparent. Through events like DECODE, Trend Micro is ensuring that professionals in the Philippines are not only prepared but also at the forefront of the fight against cybercrime.
As the event wrapped up, one thing was clear: DECODE 2024 was not just a conference—it was a call to action, urging everyone in the cybersecurity space to stay vigilant, informed, and innovative. After all, in the rapidly changing world of technology, standing still is not an option.
About Trend Micro
Trend Micro, a global leader in cybersecurity, is dedicated to making the digital world safer for everyone. With a cybersecurity platform that integrates decades of security expertise and innovative threat research, Trend Micro protects millions of individuals and businesses across the globe. The company’s platform offers advanced threat defense techniques optimized for cloud and enterprise environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, providing comprehensive protection for today’s digital landscape. Visit www.trendmicro.com for more information.
