Customs upgrades system vs cyberattacks

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has adopted a new system to improve its online security and protect its data against cyberattacks.

In a statement, the BOC said it has started to use the FireEye Managed Defense and FireEye Email Threat Protection (ETP) Cloud since May 14, 2019.

“The subscription to the security platform comes as a part of the 10-point priority program of the Bureau of Customs. This new security system shall serve a crucial role in delivering quality service while at the same time protecting vital information concerning brokers, stakeholders and personnel,” Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero said.

FireEye Managed Defense is a system that provides real-time computer systems visibility across the BOC, including internet connection sharing and cloud infrastructure.

“This security platform also provides frontline intelligence that will guide analysts in revealing even the most sophisticated attacker, and protects the Bureau from emails that deliver ransomware, sender impersonation, and credential harvesting exploits,” the BOC said.

As part of his 10-point priority program, Guerrero wants to improve the automation of the BOC’s processes.

He also seeks to harmonize different BOC-related issuances, create a quality management system and integrity system, and pursue the passage of customs-related legislative measures.

Guerrero also aims to reorganize the BOC, fill up vacant plantilla positions, provide better incentives for Customs employees, enhance the cargo clearance and examination capabilities of the bureau and to strengthen capabilities in the areas of intelligence and enforcement.

For 2019, the BOC is targeting to collect P677 billion, 14 percent higher than last year’s actual collection of P593.1 billion.

The bureau had already collected P193.5 billion as of end April this year, up 9.6 percent.