Trend Micro calls for ‘proactive’ defense at DECODE 2025 cybersecurity conference

• IN PHOTO: Plenary Panelists (L-R): Robert McArdle, Jay Yaneza, PBGen Bernard Yang, and Dr. Neal Jetton

By TechWatch PH Staff

Trend Micro wrapped up its annual flagship cybersecurity conference, “DECODE 2025: Maximize Momentum,” which drew more than 600 professionals from the industry.

Now in its ninth year, the free event featured talks from global and local experts, hands-on activities, and live demonstrations tackling today’s most urgent digital security challenges.

“This year, we found it important to emphasize proactive cybersecurity amidst the escalation of AI-assisted threats. Through DECODE, we are able to share our research on the various threats and landscape with fellow industry professionals and experts, so that businesses and individuals alike can learn how to best protect themselves,” shared Alma Saturnino-Alvarez, Trend Micro’s Director for Threat Research and founder of DECODE.

The conference focused on the growing risks posed by AI-backed cyberattacks, emerging agentic AI tools, and automotive cybersecurity.

It also shed light on the role of law enforcement in strengthening the Philippines’ cyber posture, with more than 22 sessions and panels led by senior Trend Micro researchers and law enforcement partners.

A key concern highlighted throughout the event was the misuse of generative AI.

With its accessibility, deepfakes and AI-driven scams are becoming harder to detect. Experts emphasized the need for organizations and individuals to shift toward proactive defenses to keep pace with evolving threats.

In his keynote, Trend Micro Senior Threat Researcher David Sancho outlined three risks linked to AI dependence: the erosion of skills, the loss of job opportunities, and—most critically—the erosion of trust.

He warned that deepfake videos, fake news, and AI-generated misinformation are making it increasingly difficult for people to separate fact from fabrication.

Philippine law enforcement also shared its strategies during the session Cyber Warfare Is Cyber Resilience: Maximizing Operational Momentum in the Philippine Army. LtCol. Rod Quinto presented the Army’s roadmap to move from a perimeter-defense mindset to a resilience-focused approach built on preparation, threat intelligence, and strategic response planning.

“Cyber resilience isn’t about preventing every attack — it’s about maintaining mission effectiveness despite the attack,” he said, stressing that collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential.

Speakers agreed that beyond advanced tools and defense systems, knowledge-sharing and education remain the strongest shields against cybercrime.

Through DECODE, Trend Micro aims to empower more individuals and organizations to strengthen their defenses and stay alert to the evolving digital threats shaping everyday life.