Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

HEADLINES

PLDT, Smart block more than 13 million SMShing messages to combat ‘hijack profile’ incidents

“Data is the new oil. Cyber criminals steal personal information to defraud you or use your identity to victimize people close to you. Guard your data. Don’t share it with people you don’t know,” reminded Joseph Ian Gendrano, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT and Smart.

Elijah Mendoza, Digital Communications Senior Manager at Smart, shares tips on how to avoid falling for phishing messages.

PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), has blocked more than 13 million SMShing messages in the first quarter of the year. It has also blacklisted almost 200,000 mobile numbers involved in phishing activities as the Philippine National Police (PNP) raised the alarm on ‘hijack profile’ cases.

“Data is the new oil. Cyber criminals steal personal information to defraud you or use your identity to victimize people close to you. Guard your data. Don’t share it with people you don’t know,” reminded Joseph Ian Gendrano, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT and Smart.

‘Hijack profile’ happens when a hacker gains unauthorized access to someone’s social media account. In some cases, the victims are locked out of their own account. The offender then messages the victims’ contacts to ask for money, usually under the guise of a sickness or an unfortunate life event.

To further keep customers safe from fraudulent activities, Smart is reminding the public to be wary of clicking dubious links on SMS or emails from unknown persons

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

During the #CyberSmart event at Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong, Elijah Mendoza, Digital Communications Senior Manager at Smart, emphasized mindfulness when traversing cyber space and reading text messages.

“Phishing is the most common technique employed by bad actors to trick you into revealing your data. Don’t go on autopilot mode and click or tap links,” said Mendoza.

To avoid getting baited by phishing messages, remember the following:

1.      Don’t open suspicious emails or links. Remember what our parents used to say about not talking to strangers? It’s the same with unfamiliar senders or callers.

2.       Don’t log in to unfamiliar websites. Look at the address bar. Make sure you are opening the legitimate website.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

3.       Brush up on grammar and branding knowledge. Phishing messages are often composed of ill-formed sentences with bad grammar. Malicious websites often use low-resolution photos to mimic the page they’re copying.

The efforts of PLDT and Smart to share CyberSmart tips are rooted in their customer-centric culture where they aim to elevate the quality of customer experience by protecting them from threats and cyber-attacks.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Like Us On Facebook

You May Also Like

HEADLINES

PLDT and Smart’s full support for the recent Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival 2025 aligns with the PLDT Group’s commitment to fostering Cebuano faith...

HEADLINES

Acer secured a 34.2% market share in the consumer notebook category and a 40.6% market share in the gaming notebook category. This means that...

HEADLINES

Through the collaboration, OPPO will be the official mobile partner of CCP in its upcoming CCP University Roadshow, giving students an opportunity to enhance...

HEADLINES

Data from Packworks reveals over 175,000 stores actively transacted through its Sari.PH Pro app in 2024, representing a 32% increase from about 133,000 stores...

White Papers

According to the report, Iloilo stands out for its strong government support, with local policies and initiatives designed to foster startup growth, a model...

HEADLINES

In addition to providing grants and resources, the initiative will host activities and create platforms to foster innovation and collaboration in the local blockchain...

HEADLINES

Creativity and experience is a common AI activity theme among Filipinos with 48% using it for photo editing and 42% for both entertainment and...

HEADLINES

Converge will leverage Ribbon’s advanced Muse Multilayer Automation Platform (MAP) designed to maximize the value of IP Optical network investments through comprehensive control, analysis,...

Advertisement