The digital compass: Navigating tomorrow’s tech and threats

Melgorithm

By Mel Migriño

In today’s fast-paced world, technology is not just about turning the click on and off—it is fundamentally reshaping how we work, connect, and consume.

Technology enables our digital presence and strengthens our footprint. Think about your daily routine—waking up to a smart alarm, ordering breakfast through an app, commuting while listening to a podcast, paying for groceries with a digital wallet, or catching up with loved ones on social media.

From the artificial intelligence (AI) innovations reshaping industries to the seamless transactions that define modern commerce, the digital landscape is constantly evolving.

This rapid advancement brings incredible opportunities for convenience, connection, and progress, but at the same time ushers in a new era of challenges—cybersecurity threats, online impersonation and deepfakes, cyber scams and fraud—which lead to complex questions about our data privacy and how we protect ourselves as a consumer and as a business enabler.

Cybersecurity threats are no longer just a concern for corporate departments; they have become a pervasive force that changes the entire digital world—a national and global concern. The sophistication and frequency of these threats create a dynamic and challenging environment.

We heard about the escalating threats regionally, about Chinese hackers’ ongoing cyber espionage campaigns targeting government, manufacturing, telecoms, and media sectors in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. These attackers deployed backdoors in the cloud services and controls to evade detection.

Locally, the Jollibee Foods Corporation encountered a massive data breach affecting approximately 11 million customers, as well as its other brands like Burger King and Panda Express in the Philippines, where hackers gained unauthorized access to sensitive customer information due to a reported lack of robust database security measures. This is a significant breach for a major consumer brand in the country.

Ultimately, the persistent threat of cyberattacks erodes the fundamental principle which is ‘trust’—that underpins our interconnected digital world. When individuals and organizations fear their data is not safe, and that their systems are vulnerable, it could potentially take a toll on innovation and could delay the adoption of new technologies.

Businesses may become reluctant to invest in cloud solutions or cutting-edge AI if the security risks continue to escalate. Consumers become doubtful about using new online services if their privacy controls are not in place.

This chilling effect slows down the existence of digital opportunities and limits the potential for technological progress to truly benefit society.

This is precisely why this column exists—to be your digital risk compass in this ever-evolving environment. Here, we will demystify the cutting edge of technology, exploring what emerging trends like artificial intelligence truly mean for you, whether you are a casual user or a tech enthusiast.

More importantly, we will tackle the practical side of staying safe and secure online while citing selected cybersecurity guidelines and frameworks to beef up the cyber posture of your organization.

We will delve into understanding and mitigating cybersecurity threats, protecting your crown jewels that power our digital lives, and building the essential digital literacy needed to confidently engage with the modern world.

Our goal is simple: to empower you as a digital consumer and as a business enabler with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive—not just survive—in the digital age.

Each month, we will break down complex topics into actionable insights, helping you spot different digital risks, understand your consumer rights in the digital marketplace, and make informed choices about how you aim to adopt technology in your lifestyle.

Think of this space as your guide to becoming a more informed, resilient, and proactive digital citizen. I am excited to embark on this journey with you.

(Mel Migriño is the Country Head and General Manager of Gogolook Philippines, as well as the Chair and President of both the Women in Security Alliance Philippines (WiSAP) and the Philippine Chief Information Officer Association (PCIOA). She is a Filipino woman who has received international recognition in the field of cybersecurity.)