BIR Honored with Multiple Cybersecurity Awards from USAID

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Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. and several BIR personnel were recognized for their excellence in cybersecurity during an awards ceremony hosted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on October 3, 2024.

Lumagui received the prestigious Cybersecurity Vanguard award, while other BIR personnel were honored with the Cybersecurity Ironman and Cybersecurity Champion awards. The recognition came through USAID’s Better Access and Connectivity (BEACON) Project as part of Cybersecurity Month.

“The Cybersecurity Vanguard, Cybersecurity Ironman, and Cybersecurity Champion awards given by the United States Agency for International Development to the BIR is an international recognition of our efforts in strengthening our cybersecurity,” Lumagui said. “The BIR values data security, and recognizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive taxpayer information.”

The Cybersecurity Vanguard award acknowledges the BIR’s leadership in its Cybersecurity Capacity Building Initiative. This award highlights the agency’s strategies in protecting taxpayer data and preventing potential breaches, with the BIR showing the highest employee participation in cybersecurity trainings.

Five BIR personnel were honored with the Cybersecurity Ironman award for completing the most hours of cybersecurity workshops. These individuals demonstrated remarkable skills in defending against cyber threats through their commitment to extensive training.

The Cybersecurity Champion award was presented to two BIR personnel who played key roles in promoting cybersecurity best practices. These individuals also completed the highest number of sessions in the Cybersecurity Capacity Building Initiative.

“The BIR is grateful to USAID for these awards,” Lumagui said. “We look forward to future cybersecurity trainings.”

The awards recognize the BIR’s continued efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity measures, ensuring the protection of sensitive taxpayer data.