Leading telecommunications company PLDT has announced a strategic partnership with global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky to provide robust protection against cyberattacks for its customers. This collaboration underscores PLDT’s commitment to safeguarding its customers in an increasingly digital world.

Photo shows (from left): Mike Dionisio, President of Questronix; Jeremiah de la Cruz, SVP and Head of Consumer Business at PLDT Home; and Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky, while shaking hands during the event 

Jeremiah de la Cruz, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business of PLDT Home, highlighted the importance of this partnership in the context of the growing digital engagement among Filipinos.

“With the surge in digital transactions, online shopping, and the use of digital wallets, comprehensive protection against cyber threats has become essential,” he stated. “At PLDT Home, our focus is on connecting as many homes in the Philippines as possible to the best internet service, but we also recognize the critical need to ensure the safety and security of all family members in those homes.”

De la Cruz also noted the importance of starting cybersecurity education and protection at home. “When cybercriminals attack individuals, the inconvenience, financial loss, and potential embarrassment can be immense. Our partnership with Kaspersky allows our customers to gain another level of protection at home while enjoying fast and reliable connectivity.”

For her part, Evert Miranda, VP and Digital Services Head of Products and Marketing at PLDT Home, shared that 2 out of 10 Filipinos install antivirus software but they don’t really prioritize security. “At PLDT Home, we have been investing billions of pesos to safeguard our customers from cyber threats. Last year, we prevented 478 million SMShing messages from reaching PLDT and Smart customers and blocked over 28 billion attempts at accessing malicious domains.”

Starting in June 2024, PLDT Home will offer its active Fiber subscribers a complimentary 24-month Kaspersky Premium Security license, which covers up to three personal devices. This initiative aims to enhance the cybersecurity of Filipino households by providing access to one of the most advanced security solutions available.

“As a leader in our industry, we also want to partner with another leader. We’re partnering with Kaspersky and doubling up on endpoint security because we want our customers to be able to protect themselves effortlessly,” Miranda further stated. This new partnership represents a significant enhancement of these efforts.

Saving the world… from cyber threats

During an intimate roundtable discussion that followed, Eugene Kaspersky, the CEO of global security brand Kaspersky, stated, “Our company mission is to save the world,” before adding, “We are saving the world from cybersecurity threats, and we needed to have a good partner. That’s why we have partnered with PLDT in the Philippines.”

When asked why they are bringing Kaspersky to the Philippines, he shared, “The lack of cybersecurity awareness in the Philippines has prompted us to provide comprehensive security solutions to help Filipinos stay safe online.”

According to Kaspersky, the Philippines has been one of the countries with the highest number of online attacks detected and blocked by its experts since 2021. Despite the high awareness of the importance of endpoint security among Filipinos, actual adoption remains low — only two out of ten Filipinos have security software installed.

Through this partnership, PLDT aims to bridge this gap, offering its customers Kaspersky’s ultimate plan, which includes award-winning antivirus, privacy and identity protection, performance enhancements, unlimited VPN, and a password manager.

“Our ‘click and install’ process ensures that even those who aren’t tech-savvy can easily protect themselves,” Kaspersky added while emphasizing the simplicity and effectiveness of their solutions.

At the end of his speech, Kaspersky also expressed his commitment to enhancing digital safety in the Philippines, saying, “Our partnership with PLDT Home marks a significant step towards improving the country’s cybersecurity landscape. Together, we are committed to enhancing digital safety and helping Filipinos navigate the online world with confidence and bring on a safer future for their homes,” he added.

With the availability of Kaspersky Premium Security to all Fiber customers, PLDT Home helps Filipino homes mitigate online risks and fight against cybercriminals while enjoying the online world.

Kaspersky Premium Security offers a multilayered approach to cybersecurity, protecting users from various threats, including viruses, ransomware, spam, and phishing. The software also features privacy protection, ensuring that personal data remains secure from malicious actors. In addition, Kaspersky’s antivirus feature stands out with its ability to detect and prevent almost all types of cyberattacks.

With this new offering, PLDT Home is poised to help Filipino homes mitigate online risks, providing peace of mind and allowing families to enjoy the digital world safely.

For more information about Kaspersky Premium Security available through PLDT Home, visit PLDT Home’s website.

By Ralph Fajardo

Ralph is a dynamic writer and marketing communications expert with over 15 years of experience shaping the narratives of numerous brands. His journey through the realms of PR, advertising, news writing, as well as media and marketing communications has equipped him with a versatile skill set and a keen understanding of the industry. Discover more about Ralph's professional journey on his LinkedIn profile.