In a recent survey by cyber defense company BlueVoyant, an average of 84.5% of Philippine organizations suffered from cybersecurity breaches in 2024. The report also revealed that 24% of Filipino respondents have no way to detect this threat within their spheres, underscoring major visibility challenges.
These findings reinforce the importance of data privacy and security. With new regulations, evolving cyber threats, and increasing reliance on artificial intelligence, companies need to step up their game. Award-winning strategic marketing agency TeamAsia shares some insights.
According to TeamAsia Vice President for Operations and Data Protection Officer (DPO) Jeff Enriquez, data privacy is an organizational issue. “It involves everyone – from HR, Accounts, Events, Creatives, Marketing, Press Relations, IT to Legal. A strong data privacy program requires a holistic approach,” he said. “If your creative content involves identifiable individuals, you need to consider data privacy, especially if it’s used for advertising or marketing. You may need consent or other lawful basis, depending on the context.”
Enriquez, who has over 20 years of experience as an IT expert, added that a breach of data privacy can lead to serious legal and financial risks, reputational damage, loss of business, loss of trust, disruption of operations, difficulty in marketing, and other cybersecurity risks.
Approach to Data Protection
TeamAsia enforces strict access control policies to safeguard data, allowing only authorized personnel access based on job functions through Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). Employees undergo mandatory annual data privacy training, refresher courses, and onboarding sessions to reinforce security awareness. The company also requires confidentiality agreements for employees, talents, and subcontractors before handling sensitive information.
To ensure compliance with the Data Privacy Act, TeamAsia has a dedicated data privacy team who oversee policy development, risk assessments, and employee training. Physical security measures, including restricted office access, surveillance systems, and secured storage facilities, further protect data.
On the technical side, TeamAsia safeguards data through encryption for both in-transit and at-rest information, securing Google Workspace, Google Cloud Storage, and on-premise backup servers. The company bolsters cybersecurity with firewalls, anti-virus software, and intrusion detection systems, while multi-level authentication ensures secure access. Regular encrypted data backups and stringent software security evaluations further strengthen the company’s privacy-first approach.
“These measures are part of TeamAsia’s broader commitment to data privacy and are designed to protect the personal information of its employees, clients, and partners,” said Enriquez. “We also recognize the importance of transparency and provide mechanisms for data subjects to exercise their rights under the Data Privacy Act.”
He added that these initiatives also foster a culture of transparency within TeamAsia by promoting open communication about data privacy issues, establishing clear policies, and providing accessible resources, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities and contributes to data protection efforts.
Data Privacy and Sustainability Values
While ensuring the safety and security of information, TeamAsia also applies environmentally sound practices in its protection measures and electronic waste management.
These include the responsible disposal of outdated electronic devices and the use of sustainable data storage solutions, such as prioritizing renewable-energy-powered data centers and energy-efficient IT equipment. This allows the agency to not only enhance its operational resilience but also contribute to a more secure and environmentally responsible digital landscape.
Integrating data privacy with sustainability continues to strengthen TeamAsia’s reputation as an ethical organization, reducing legal risks, improving efficiency, and fostering trust with clients, employees, and stakeholders. This is in line with the company’s thrust to promote transparency and environmental responsibility in an evolving technological landscape.
“We have always emphasized a proactive approach to data privacy, integrating it into all aspects of our operations, while ensuring adherence to legal obligations and industry best practices in data protection. We’ve also adopted a responsible approach to AI and the mindset of continuously improving data handling practices,” said Enriquez.
