ISOG Primes for Cyberdefense at 2025
I Am Secure Cybersecurity Program

The Information Security Officers Group (ISOG), the Philippines’ leading cybersecurity organization, is bringing together the nation’s top cybersecurity professionals for I Am Secure 2025. Now in its eighth year, I Am Secure has grown into the country’s largest and most trusted cybersecurity event series, with XMS as its consultant, concept producer, and organizer. Under the theme “Priming for Cyberdefense: The Consummate Strategy,” the 2025 edition is expected to attract over 2,000 cybersecurity and technology leaders, decision-makers, and executives from more than 500 companies that span banking, finance, technology, the public sector, as well as academic institutions.

New Leadership, Strengthened Vision

As ISOG launches this year’s cybersecurity awareness program, it also ushers in a new era of leadership. Chito Jacinto has stepped into the role of President, following his tenure as Vice President. Supporting him in ISOG’s continued mission is Alvin Punsalan, Chief Information Security Officer of Security Bank, who now serves as Vice President, while former ISOG President Archie Tolentino assumes the role of Chairman.

President Chito Jacinto calls for an intensified focus on ISOG’s core values of Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. A seasoned cybersecurity leader, he has served as the past president of the global professional association and learning organization, the ISACA Manila Chapter. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers, and is an active member of the Advisory Group of the PNP Anti Cybercrime Group. He is also a cyber educator and a recently enlisted member of the Philippine Navy Reserve – National Capital Region.

“As I take the lead in ISOG, I look forward to another insightful I Am Secure campaign alongside my fellow cybersecurity professionals. By strengthening awareness and collaboration, we will ensure that our community is primed for the cyberdefense of our nation,” said Jacinto. Vice President Alvin Punsalan shares his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honored to serve as one of ISOG’s leaders and eager to contribute to its mission. Together, we will not only strengthen our organization but also empower more cybersecurity professionals across the country, working hand in hand to fortify our nation’s cyber defense.”

A Year-Round Cybersecurity Movement

ISOG’s 2025 cybersecurity campaign includes a series of high-impact events, which will begin with the I Am Secure Opening Ceremony on April 24 at the Yuchengco Museum. This invitation-only gathering of 100-150 ISOG members will feature representatives from key industry and government partners, including Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Privacy Commission (NPC), Department of Finance (DOF), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), and Top multinational enterprise stakeholders, and organizations.

I AM Secure Forum 1 will be held on June 19 at Makati Diamond Residences, As a platform for advancing cybersecurity in the Philippines, it fosters collaboration and innovation among industry leaders to address emerging threats and solutions. Forum 2 will follow on August 7 at the same venue, furthering ISOG’s mission to ensure updated knowledge and awareness that aims to strengthen the nation’s cyber resilience and leadership.

On October 2, ISOG will hold ISOGx Season 3 at SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, BGC. Inspired by the TEDx format, ISOGx delivers concise, high-impact presentations that provide attendees with insights and practical cybersecurity tools.

To foster camaraderie among stakeholders and partners, ISOGoke + Shootfest will be held on November 20. This event will serve as a thanksgiving gathering.

In December 2025, ISOG will embark on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aimed at fostering community development and supporting cybersecurity education.

A Legacy of Cybersecurity Excellence

Since its inception, ISOG has played a vital role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape of the Philippines. As a pioneer if not the only banking cyber organization recognized by the Bangjo Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). ISOG continues to be a driving force behind the digital economy.

Through its initiatives, ISOG has made significant contributions to advancing the nation’s cybersecurity, fostering collaboration, awareness, and resilience across industries.

The impact of these efforts is evident in the Philippines’ progress in global cybersecurity rankings and market expansion. According to the DICT, the country has climbed eight spots in the 2024 United Nations Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) from 61st in 2020 to 53rd in 2024—reflecting strengthened cyber defenses and regulatory frameworks. Market growth projections further highlight this momentum, with the cybersecurity sector expected to reach US$269.10 million in 2025, growing at an 11.02% annual rate over the next four years, according to Statista Market Insights. By 2028, the market is projected to expand by 13% to $387.10 million, as reported by the International Trade Administration. These figures underscore the rising demand for cybersecurity solutions and ISOG’s pivotal role in driving the sector’s advancement.

I AM SECURE 2025 underscores the significance of using psychological priming techniques to strengthen cybersecurity measures within organizations. Priming, a concept rooted in cognitive psychology, involves subtly influencing individuals’ thoughts, behaviors, and decision-making processes through exposure to specific stimuli. In cybersecurity, this technique can be utilized to enhance the enterprise, its operators and users’ awareness, training, and reactions to potential cyber threats.

The strategy emphasizes the importance of fostering a security-conscious culture by preparing individuals to identify and react appropriately to threats like phishing emails, malware, and social engineering attacks. By regularly priming the industry with knowledge of potential risks and security best practices, organizations can reduce human error, which is often the weakest link in cybersecurity defenses. This can include behavioral nudges, reminders, and simulations that encourage correct actions without overtly forcing  compliance.

The theme advocates for embedding cybersecurity behaviors into daily routines, making them second nature. It suggests that consistent reinforcement—whether through rewards for following security protocols or automatic prompts—helps to solidify security habits. This approach builds a proactive mindset toward cyber defense, making users more vigilant and responsive to emerging threats.

Ultimately, “Priming for Cybersecurity” promotes an approach where cognitive science principles are applied to shape a cybersecurity-aware workforce, leading to more effective defense mechanisms. This strategy is especially critical in the face of evolving cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of not just technological solutions but also human-centered security practices.

Ultimately, “Priming for Cybersecurity” promotes an approach where cognitive science principles are applied to shape a cybersecurity-aware workforce, leading to more effective defense mechanisms. This strategy is especially critical in the face of evolving cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of not just technological solutions but also human-centered security practices.