Data indicates a direct correlation between time spent online and vulnerability to cyber threats. Filipinos average nine hours per day on the internet, with 3.75 hours devoted to social media. Each online interaction poses a risk, exposing personal information to cybercriminals seeking to exploit data for malicious purposes.
A recent study highlights that 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent daily, equating to 1 in every 4,200 emails being a phishing scam. In 2022, there were 5.7 million reports of fraud and identity theft globally, resulting in consumer losses totaling $8.8 billion due to identity theft.
Clicking on seemingly legitimate links, especially those from friends, can introduce malware into devices, leading to data breaches. Such breaches can compromise personal details, including usernames, passwords, bank accounts, medical records, and other sensitive information, resulting in identity theft, financial fraud, and other severe consequences once malicious hackers gain control over accounts.
The PLDT Group has long recognized these threats, investing billions of pesos in cybersecurity measures to protect its customers. In 2023, the company successfully intercepted 478 million SMShing messages and blocked over 28 billion attempts to access malicious domains for PLDT and Smart customers.
In 2024, PLDT Home, the Philippines’ leading digital services provider, is enhancing its cybersecurity efforts by partnering with global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky. Starting June 2024, PLDT Home will offer a complimentary 24-month Kaspersky Premium Security license for three personal devices to active Fiber subscribers. “Cyberattacks can cause significant inconvenience, financial loss, and potential embarrassment. We believe cybersecurity education and protection should start at home,” stated Jeremiah de la Cruz, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business – Home. “Our partnership with Kaspersky provides an additional layer of protection, allowing our customers to enjoy fast, reliable connectivity while safeguarding their digital lives.”
Strengthened Commitment to Cybersecurity
Despite 67% of Filipinos recognizing the importance of installing endpoint security apps, only 20% have actually done so. Through PLDT Home’s collaboration with Kaspersky, customers will now have access to Kaspersky Premium Security, which offers award-winning antivirus protection, privacy and identity safeguards, performance boosts, and additional benefits like unlimited VPN and a password manager.
Kaspersky Premium Security employs a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, utilizing signature-based detection, heuristic analysis, behavioral monitoring, web protection, and automatic updates to shield customers from diverse malware threats. In 2022, Kaspersky blocked 52,914 financial phishing incidents in the Philippines.
The service provides real-time protection while devices are connected to the internet, scanning all opened, saved, or launched files, as well as all connected drives and email messages. It intercepts and blocks harmful scripts on websites, monitors web traffic, blocks access to dangerous sites, and secures data on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Users can also manage their security remotely via the My Kaspersky website.
Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky, remarked: “The Philippines has consistently been among the top countries for detected and blocked online attacks since 2021. Our partnership with PLDT Home marks a significant step in enhancing the Philippines’ cybersecurity. By combining PLDT’s digital expertise with our advanced security solutions, we are committed to improving digital safety and helping Filipinos navigate the online world confidently, ensuring a safer future for their homes.”
With Kaspersky Premium Security available to all Fiber customers, PLDT Home aids Filipino households in mitigating online risks and combating cybercriminals while enjoying the benefits of the internet.
