In a message read by an aide at an information technology conference, top security official Norberto Gonzales warned that the country did not have an overall strategy to deal with "emerging cyber threats" and lacked enforceable laws and regulations to penalize violators.

He also said there was little awareness of network security while military and law-enforcement agencies lacked the capability to counter cyber-attacks even though the "Love Bug" computer virus, which caused billions of dollars in damage in 2000, originated here.

Gonzales warned that a new "cyber security" strategy would have to include new laws, define computer crimes, increase intelligence and security capabilities and improve international cooperation, including entering into possible international treaties.

A Filipino computer school student created the self-replicating "Love Bug" virus which spread to computer systems throughout the world, destroying files and stealing passwords and e-mail addresses in 2000.

The alleged creator of the virus was not convicted because the Philippines had no laws against cyber crime at the time.

SPACE.WIRE