by Jan Michael Carpo, Reporter
Cybercrime in the digital age now poses a significant threat to Filipinos as they increasingly embrace the convenience of online services — from banking and shopping to communication and entertainment.
However, this growing reliance on the internet also comes with a hidden threat: financial fraud.
Alarming statistics reveal that one in three Filipinos have been targeted by scammers in the past year, often falling victim to financial fraud disguised as legitimate opportunities.
Recognizing this critical issue, Globe Telecom, a leading Philippine telco-to-tech provider, is taking a proactive stance. Their weapon? Education.
Addressing cybercrime through education
Carlo Santos, Globe Senior Director for Analytics and Stakeholder Engagement, speaks during Globe’s DTP session at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
Globe’s impactful Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) has reached over 6,000 Filipinos in 2024, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to fight cybercrime and navigate the online world safely.
The program tackles the disconnect between Filipinos’ confidence in identifying scams and the reality of falling prey to them. While a significant portion (around 75%) believe they can recognize a scam, the statistics paint a different picture.
This highlights the crucial need for cybersecurity education to fight cybercrime and bridge the knowledge gap.
Globe’s commitment to fight cybercrime extends beyond awareness campaigns. They are actively fortifying their network’s defenses. As of September 2024, Globe has blocked a staggering 162.7 million spam messages, effectively shielding users from malicious content.
Their efforts don’t stop there. Over 20,000 SIM cards linked to fraudulent activities and cybercrime have since been deactivated, and nearly 167,500 malicious links have been blocked. Additionally, Globe has taken down close to 1,500 websites associated with illegal gambling and child exploitation.
“As digital transformation accelerates, online threats, particularly fraud, are on the rise. Filipinos are increasingly falling victim to cybercrime every day,” says Yolanda Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “We believe education is the answer, which is why we’re bringing the Digital Thumbprint Program to schools nationwide.”
The Globe team together with students of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina at the recent DTP session held at the university.
DTP’s nationwide rollout signifies Globe’s dedication to building a safer digital environment for Filipinos. By equipping students with cybersecurity knowledge from a young age, Globe aims to cultivate a generation of responsible and secure online users.
The program’s success hinges on its comprehensive approach. Globe conducts interactive workshops and seminars, led by cybersecurity experts. Participants learn to identify red flags in online solicitations, phishing attempts, and social engineering tactics. They gain valuable insights into password management, secure browsing habits, and data protection measures.
“Globe’s cybersecurity education program is a commendable initiative,” says a participant from a recent workshop in Davao del Norte. “The program provided practical tips that I can readily apply to protect myself and my family online.”
The fight against cybercrime requires a multi-pronged approach. While Globe’s network security measures are robust, individual vigilance remains paramount. By actively participating in programs like Digital Thumbprint, Filipinos can become empowered defenders against cyber threats.
Cybercrime transcending borders
Cybercrime, a shadowy menace that transcends borders and threatens the digital infrastructure of nations, has since ignited a unified response as Asian and South Pacific leaders convened in Manila last year to launch an unprecedented collaboration in the fight against this growing global threat.
In a landmark effort to address rising cybercrime threats, representatives from Asian and South Pacific countries convened in Manila last year for the inaugural meeting of the Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations on Cybercrime (ASPJOC) working group.
Held from September 17 to 19, 2024, the event gathered officials and experts from across the region to foster international cooperation and share best practices in combatting cybercrime.
The gathering was organized by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) of the Philippines, in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC).
The event also had the backing of INTERPOL Asia, marking a significant step in strengthening regional cybercrime enforcement.
Countries represented at the meeting included Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, Vietnam and the Philippines.