Every October, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV) celebrates Cybersecurity Awareness Month through its flagship initiative, SECSee. This year’s theme, “Secure Every Click, Stay Safe Online,” renewed our collective commitment to safeguarding AEV’s digital ecosystem and strengthening a culture of cyber vigilance across the organization.
AEV’s award-winning Cyber and Information Security (CIS) Team rolled out a series of Tech Friday learning sessions, interactive challenges, and exciting rewards that empowered A-People to stay alert, think before they click, and take an active role in protecting our data and systems.
Week 1: Protect Your Data Online
The month kicked off with a session led by Puyat, Jacinto & Santos Law, who unpacked the realities of cybercrime, cybersecurity, and data privacy in today’s interconnected world. Team members learned how one unsafe click can compromise sensitive data and disrupt operations—a reminder of why vigilance matters both at work and in everyday online interactions. The session also provided practical tips to help A-People click smart and keep information secure.
Week 2: Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Collaboration
In the second Tech Friday session, Phil Ross of UpGuard highlighted the importance of Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) as a cornerstone of digital resilience. He emphasized that cybersecurity is not limited to internal safeguards — it’s built through collaboration and shared accountability with vendors and partners to minimize risks and prevent breaches.
Week 3: Outsmarting Cyber Threats in the Age of AI
The third session featured Alex Adallom of Palo Alto Networks, who discussed how artificial intelligence is reshaping both cybersecurity and cybercrime. As AI-powered scams grow more sophisticated, awareness and critical thinking become our first line of defense. Alex’s talk reminded A-People that while technology advances, so must our ability to verify, question, and stay one step ahead.
Week 4: Building a Safer Digital World
Wrapping up the Tech Friday series, Brian Cotaz of Cisco led a foundational session on Cybersecurity 101 — emphasizing that safety starts with everyday habits. From protecting personal data to updating systems and thinking before clicking, Brian’s session reinforced that each of us has a role in building a safer digital world.
SECSee 2025 Forum: Secure Every Click—Stay Safe Online
Capping off Cybersecurity Awareness Month, AEV hosted the SECSee 2025 Forum on October 29 that brought together cybersecurity experts, practitioners, and A-People for an immersive exploration of emerging threats and forward-looking defense strategies. Through live demos, expert talks, and interactive discussions, participants gained valuable perspectives on the future of cybersecurity — from quantum-secure systems to AI-driven protection.
Featured Speakers and Topics:
Quantum Secure Computing and Adaptive Defense: Cybersecurity’s Last Line of Defense
Col. Roland Ong, ASPERIQ AG – Cybersecurity Architect
Col. Roland Ong explored how quantum-secure technologies and adaptive defense systems are reshaping how organizations prepare for next-generation threats.
Shaping the Future of Secured Connectivity
Gabriel Jason Opeñaria, Securelink Networks Solutions Consultant
Gabriel shared how innovative network solutions can build more resilient and secure digital infrastructures that protect data and enable seamless collaboration.
How Cybersecurity Can Go Beyond Value Protection to Value Creation
Carlo Kristle G. Dimarucut, SGV Technology Consulting Partner
Carlo discussed how organizations can elevate cybersecurity from a cost of doing business to a catalyst for innovation, trust, and growth.
Securing the AI Agentic Era
Brian Cotaz, Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist
Brian delved into how organizations can adapt their security frameworks to navigate the challenges of an AI-driven digital environment.
More than technology, the forum underscored that cybersecurity is a mindset. Every click matters, and every team member plays a part in creating a safer, smarter digital future.
Recognizing Our Cyberguardians: The SECSee Badge Relaunch
The event also marked the relaunch of the SECSee Badge — “See Security Through Every Lens.” This recognition celebrates Cyberguardians, A-People who consistently demonstrate vigilance, accountability, and advocacy in protecting our digital ecosystem.
Cyberguardians:
- Stay vigilant — by verifying links, securing devices, and reporting suspicious activity.
- Promote awareness — by encouraging a security-first mindset among peers.
- Demonstrate accountability — by taking ownership of safeguarding systems and data.
Shaping a Culture of Digital Responsibility
The SECSee 2025 series reaffirmed AEV’s commitment to a strong, proactive cybersecurity culture. Through engaging discussions, real-world lessons, and expert insights, team members gained the tools and mindset to stay secure in an ever-evolving digital world.
