Hackin’ Ka Na Lang Ulit (HKNL) 2019 focused on expanding information security awareness across the Philippines, building on the momentum of the inaugural 2016 event. Held on February 16, 2019, at the Lipa City Youth and Cultural Center, the conference marked a milestone as the first Philippine cybersecurity conference to be featured and endorsed by EC-Council, signifying a significant achievement for the country’s digital security community.

A central theme of HKNL 2019 was the convergence of academic learning and professional expertise. The event aimed to bridge the gap between students and seasoned professionals, fostering a community dedicated to information security (InfoSec). Speakers emphasized that participants must carry actionable “IT awareness lessons” into the real world, ensuring that theoretical knowledge translates into practical defense strategies for the evolving IT landscape.

Another key focus was the strategic collaboration between global industry leaders and local practitioners. Through partnerships with CompTIA, LoyalCoin, and GlobalKnowledge, along with sponsorship from the ISACA Manila Chapter, the conference explored how international security standards could be localized. The sessions highlighted that organizational resilience is built on strong partnerships and the integration of diverse security perspectives.

From a technical and strategic perspective, HKNL 2019 provided in-depth discussions on data protection and operational security. Guest speakers such as Mr. Raymond Reglos (Data Protection Officer of AIM) and Mr. Ike Tuazon (Chief Security Officer of LoyalCoin) discussed the nuances of the Data Privacy Act and the security challenges of emerging fintech platforms. These were complemented by sessions on IT competencies and certifications led by Mr. Orlando Seachon Jr. and Ms. Roselle Reig, emphasizing the need for a certified and highly skilled workforce.

Overall, HKNL 2019 emphasized collaboration, global recognition, and the empowerment of the next generation. It reinforced the idea that a successful cybersecurity ecosystem is built on continuous education and the active participation of both students and professionals in safeguarding the Philippines’ digital future.