Government taps white hat hackers for cybersecurity protectionWhite hat hackers are cybersecurity professionals who use their hacking skills ethically to identify and report security vulnerabilities. White hat hackers are cybersecurity professionals who use their hacking skills ethically to identify and report security vulnerabilities. Unlike malicious hackers, white hats help organizations strengthen their defenses by exposing weaknesses before they can be exploited. The DICT divided the SHPBBP into two: the private program, which is limited to a select group of experts; and the public program, which is an open invitation to cybersecurity researchers. The SHPBBP covers all agencies under the government, including state-owned firms, as well as private companies belonging to the Public-Private Cybersecurity Partnership Program.

Source: Philippine Star January 23, 2026 16:33 UTC