In a collaborative effort between government agencies and private institutions, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 1 recently conducted a basic training program in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). This 5-day workshop brought together personnel from various organizations, including the Philippine National Police, academe representatives from University of Luzon and Unibersidad de Dagupan, MIS Office of Pangasinan Provincial Government, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highway, and Utilities Sector from Dagupan Electric Corporation.
Partnership for a Stronger Cybersecurity Network
The DICT Ilocos Region partnered with Makerspace Innovhub OPC and DigiForce to organize this training program which lasted from September 9 to 13, 2024. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of these organizations to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and promote a culture of awareness and readiness among government agencies and private entities.
Basic Training
The 5-day VAPT training curriculum was designed to provide participants with a solid understanding of various aspects of cybersecurity, including:
- Web Application Vulnerability Assessment: This session focused on identifying vulnerabilities in web applications and learning how to exploit them.
- Device Penetration Testing: Participants learned how to test the security of Windows PCs, Android phones, and network devices using various techniques.
- Social Engineering: This topic emphasized the importance of human factors in cybersecurity and provided strategies for protecting against social engineering attacks.
Catch The Flag Competition
On the final day of the training, a Catch The Flag competition was held as a practical test of what participants had learned over the past four days. This hands-on exercise allowed them to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world scenario, further solidifying their understanding of VAPT principles.
The VAPT training in partnership with DICT Ilocos Region, Makerspace Innovhub OPC, and DigiForce is a testament to the collaborative effort of government agencies and private institutions to enhance cybersecurity capabilities and promote a culture of awareness and readiness. This comprehensive training program has equipped participants from various organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
