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TECHNOLOGY

New SandStrike spyware targets Android users with booby-trapped VPN application

November 7, 2022 1:32 p.m.

In the third quarter of 2022, Kaspersky researchers uncovered a previously unknown Android espionage campaign dubbed SandStrike.

The actor targets a Persian-speaking religion minority, Baháʼí, via distributing VPN app that contains highly sophisticated spyware. Kaspersky experts also discovered an advanced upgrade of DeathNote cluster and – together with SentinelOne – investigated never-seen-before malware Metatron. This, and other discoveries are revealed in Kaspersky’s latest quarterly threat intelligence summary.

To lure victims into downloading the spyware implants, adversaries set up Facebook and Instagram accounts with more than 1,000 followers and designed attractive religious-themed graphic materials, setting up an effective trap for adherents of this belief. Most of these social media accounts contain a link to a Telegram channel also created by the attacker. 

In this channel, the actor behind SandStrike distributed a seemingly harmless VPN application to access sites banned in certain regions, for example, religious-related materials. To make this application fully functional, adversaries also set up their own VPN infrastructure.

However, the VPN client contains fully-functioning spyware with capabilities allowing threat actors to collect and steal sensitive data, including call logs, contact lists, and also track any further activities of persecuted individuals.

Throughout the third quarter of 2022, APT actors were continuously changing their tactics, sharpening their toolsets and developing new techniques. The most significant findings include:

  • The new sophisticated malware platform targeting telecoms companies, ISPs and universities

    Together with SentinelOne, Kaspersky researchers analyzed a never-seen-before sophisticated malware platform dubbed Metatron. Metatron primarily targets telecommunications, internet service providers, and universities in Middle Eastern and African countries. Metatron is designed to bypass native security solutions while deploying malware platforms directly into memory.  
  • The upgrade of advanced and sophisticated tools

    Kaspersky experts observed Lazarus use the DeathNote cluster against victims in South Korea. The actor possibly used a strategic web compromise, employing an infection chain similar to that which Kaspersky researchers have previously reported, attacking an endpoint security program. However, experts discovered that the malware and infection schemes have also been updated. The actor used malware that hadn’t been seen before, with minimal functionality to execute commands from the C2 server. Using this implanted backdoor, the operator lay hidden in the victim’s environment for a month and collected system information.
  • Cyber-espionage continues to be a prime aim of APT campaigns

    In the third quarter of 2022, Kaspersky researchers detected numerous APT campaigns, whose main target is governmental institutions. Our recent investigations show that this year, from February onwards, HotCousin has attempted to compromise foreign affairs ministries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

“As we can see from the analysis of the last three months, APT actors are now strenuously used to create attack tools and improve old ones to launch new malicious campaigns. In their attacks, they use cunning and unexpected methods: SandStrike, attacking users via VPN service, where victims tried to find protection and security, is an excellent example. Today it is easy to distribute malware via social networks and remain undetected for several months or even more. This is why it is so important to be as alert as ever and make sure you are armed with threat intelligence and the right tools to protect from existing and emerging threats,” comments Victor Chebyshev, lead security researcher at Kaspersky’s GReAT.

To read the full APT Q3 2022 trends report, please visit Securelist.com

In order to avoid falling victim to a targeted attack by a known or unknown threat actor, Kaspersky researchers recommend implementing the following measures:

  • Provide your SOC team with access to the latest threat intelligence (TI). The Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal is a single point of access for the company’s TI, providing cyberattack data and insights gathered by Kaspersky over the past 20 years. To help businesses enable effective defenses in these turbulent times, Kaspersky announced free access to independent, continuously updated and globally sourced information on ongoing cyberattacks and threats. Request access online.
  • Upskill your cybersecurity team to enable them to tackle the latest targeted threats with Kaspersky online training developed by GReAT experts. 
  • Use enterprise-grade EDR solution such as Kaspersky EDR Expert. It is essential to detect threats among a sea of scattered alerts thanks to automatic merging of alerts into incidents as well as to analyze and respond to an incident in the most effective way.  
  • In addition to adopting essential endpoint protection, implement a corporate-grade security solution that detects advanced threats on the network level at an early stage, such as Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack Platform.
  • As many targeted attacks start with social engineering techniques, such as phishing, introduce security awareness training and teach practical skills to your team – using tools such as the Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform.
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TECHNOLOGY

All-new MacBook Neo launches at Power Mac Center

9:22 p.m. April 24, 2026

Premier Apple partner Power Mac Center (PMC) unveiled the all-new MacBook Neo in a fun and vibrant simultaneous launch in Greenbelt 3 and SM Megamall.

Customers who joined the launch received the event exclusive bundle including an AirPods Pro 2 and AirTag 4-pack, stackable with over P12,000 worth of freebies for those with qualified pre-orders. In addition, those in Greenbelt 3 and SM Megamall who lined up until 7PM also got a chance to win up to P600,000 worth of prizes (P300,000 per location).

While attendees were the first to access exclusive perks, PMC is extending its opening promotions over the coming days, ensuring more customers can take part in the excitement.

“We are taking Apple fans on a lifestyle journey worthy of the anticipation for the new MacBook Neo. With every device Power Mac Center launches, we make sure our customers know we stand behind their purchase, helping them choose better, set up faster, and get more out of what they’re upgrading to,” PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management Joey Alvarez.

Mac&Me: Easy to use and easy to own, Made for More

As the premier Apple partner in the Philippines, PMC extends its expertise to support customers, reinforcing how the Mac is made for more than ordinary, with powerful capabilities in completing tasks both for work and play.

Now available in all Power Mac Center stores nationwide, the MacBook Neo is easy to use and easy to own with these exclusive offers. Terms and conditions apply.

  • Accessories: Enjoy up to 50% off on a wide selection of accessories until April 30, 2026. This offer is valid for straight payments only and is available with any MacBook Neo payment option.
  • 1 Infinite: As a limited “double burn” offer (1 point = P2) from PMC’s loyalty program 1 Infinite, members can redeem up to 2,500 points (P5,000 off), with no minimum spend required. This offer is applicable to both device and accessory purchases and is valid from April 23 to 26, 2026 only.
  • UpTrade: Score up to P4,000 in additional trade-in value when you trade in your MacBook Air (M2 or earlier) and upgrade to the all-new MacBook Neo or MacBook Air (M5) from April 23 to May 10, 2026. Offer available at all Power Mac Center stores nationwide.
  • Mobile Care and Basecamp: Customers who purchase the MacBook Neo until April 30, 2026 can also receive a 90-day complementary software fix from Mobile Care Service Center, PMC’s official service arm, and free training for MacBook Neo + AI Toolkit for Beginners provided by Basecamp, PMC’s official training arm.
  • To avail the free training, please register here  <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe_z0LeHOubTSrH4guDE7H1gaZICevgaQ15fF0tqxI7CB-aQw/viewform>.
  • Partners: Get special Grab vouchers on purchases of the MacBook Neo until April 24, 2026.
  • Education, SMB, and Enterprise: PMC also offers special Education pricing for students and members of the academe. Meanwhile, businesses and organizations looking to boost their operational efficiency and service delivery can approach any PMC store for a consultation on Apple integration.

Get the best deals with your cards and credit providers

Major bank and non-bank financial institutions offer flexible payment options of up to 36 months installment, 0% interest, Buy Now Pay Later modes, cashbacks, and bonus Power Mac Center Gift Certificates. Do note that these offers are available via in-store purchases only. Check with your financial providers for the full mechanics.

Before completing your purchase, make sure you’re a member of 1 Infinite. To join, download the 1 Infinite app in the App Store <http://bit.ly/4hljdr2> or Google Play <https://bit.ly/42ovsyK> and create an account or log in using your registered email address.

Present your membership when transacting in stores or input details in the Web Store <powermaccenter.com> to earn points, redeem rewards, and enjoy perks from Basecamp and Mobile Care. For full details, visit the site <https://powermaccenter.com/pages/1-infinite>.

Live launch with musical sets and interactive games

The MacBook Neo introduction unfolded as a full launch experience, with performances and interactive activities energizing the crowd before the official unveiling. Headlined by DJs Vernard Tan (in Greenbelt 3) and Ailishia (in Megamall), the shows set the tone for the night designed to engage this generation of tech consumers.

The event was supported by Power Mac Center’s brand partners Belkin, STM, BPI, UnionBank, and Home Credit, as well as Shokz, in partnership with 1 Infinite.

Don’t miss exciting announcements and special promos! Follow the OFFICIAL Power Mac Center accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, Viber, and YouTube.

#PMCExperience #MacMadeForMore

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TECHNOLOGY

Xiaomi Fan Festival 2026 brings April deals across phones, pads, and smart devices

9:30 p.m. April 12, 2026

April is one of the better times this year to look at a Xiaomi upgrade. Xiaomi Fan Festival, the brand’s annual celebration for its fans; is now live in the Philippines under the theme “Smart Living, Made Yours,” running through April 30 at Xiaomi Authorized Stores, participating multi-brand retailers, and Xiaomi community channels.

The campaign spans the full lineup: phones from flagship to entry-level, tablets, wearables, TVs, and more. Most buyers will find at least one clear entry point.

Smartphones

At the top of the range is the Xiaomi 17, priced at ₱55,999 with a free Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro. For buyers who want a strong performer without going all the way to the flagship tier, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is available at ₱39,999 with a free Xiaomi Backpack, and the Xiaomi 15T comes in at ₱26,999 down from ₱28,999, with a free Xiaomi Neck Pillow.

The REDMI Note 15 Series covers the mid-range with four variants and a consistent Home Credit angle: shoppers can get an exclusive ₱500 discount per unit on any REDMI Note 15 Series device via Home Credit 0% interest installment plan, and a free month on Viu Premium. The REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G is priced at ₱27,999 with a free Xiaomi umbrella, the REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G starts at ₱19,999 with the same freebie, and the REDMI Note 15 5G runs from ₱14,999. At the most accessible end, the REDMI 15 starts at ₱8,999; a practical everyday pick for students and first-time buyers.

Pads

The Xiaomi Pad 8 Pro at ₱38,999 and the Xiaomi Pad 8 at ₱29,999 each come with the keyboard already in the box, plus a free Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active, boasting a more complete setup from day one, whether the use case is work, school, or content. Both are also available via Home Credit 0% interest installment.

Below those, the REDMI Pad 2 lineup offers three tiers: the REDMI Pad 2 Pro 5G from ₱19,999, the REDMI Pad 2 Pro from ₱15,999, and the REDMI Pad 2 from ₱10,999 which gives students and households a range of screen sizes and specs without stepping into premium territory.

Wearables, TVs, and more

The wearables selection runs wider than the headline picks. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is available in Standard (₱2,699) and Ceramic Edition (₱3,799), with the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Pro at ₱3,899 for buyers who want more. On the more accessible end, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active is ₱1,399, and the REDMI Watch 5 Active comes in at ₱1,899. The REDMI Watch 5 is priced at ₱2,899.

For the living room, the Xiaomi TV A Series starts at ₱8,990 for the 32-inch and ₱12,990 for the 43-inch. Also in the lineup: the REDMI Buds 8 Lite at ₱1,299 and the Xiaomi Power Bank 10000mAh at ₱1,099.

Payment options

The Home Credit ₱500 discount  is applicable to the REDMI Note 15 series while all smartphones and pads will come with 0% interest installment and Viu Premium 1-month voucher offer. That offer runs from April 1 to June 30, 2026; well past the main XFF window, giving you more time to sort out a payment plan before committing. 

The deals listed here cover the main highlighted offers, but the full XFF 2026 lineup is broader. For complete mechanics, freebie eligibility per variant, and model availability, visit your nearest Xiaomi Authorized Store or participating retailer. For the Home Credit discount and installment options, ask at any participating Home Credit hub.

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TECHNOLOGY

Quick Flicks and Pro Clicks: Logitech brings fastest click technology with Latest PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE 

1:11 p.m. March 26, 2026

Logitech G raises the bar for competitive gaming performance once again with the launch of the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE, a next-gen wireless mouse that combines inductive analog sensing with real-time haptics.

Designed for elite precision and total control, the PRO X2 dramatically reduces click latency, enhances responsiveness, and gives players the power to personalize their click intensity like never before.

Industry-Leading Click Technology

Featuring a patent-pending SUPERSTRIKE technology, an industry-first innovation, the PRO X2 transforms how every mouse click is activated and felt. This new technology allows players to reduce the required travel distance to send the click signal. Improvements in click delay are shown to reach up to 30 milliseconds based on internal testing. This drastically transforms the way players compete and provides them the decisive edge they need to win virtual battlefields.

The PRO X2 introduces the Haptic Inductive Trigger System (HITS), which replaces traditional microswitches found in gaming mice. This system drastically improves click latency performance by sending tactile feedback to players so each click is felt the moment the signal reaches the PC.

By combining trigger response optimization with real-time click haptics, Logitech G sets a new benchmark in competitive mouse performance through the PRO X2.

Customizable Esports-Level Gaming Performance 

Developed in collaboration with elite esports teams G2 Esports, NAVi, and BLG, the PRO X2 is made to meet the demands of high-level competitive play. Every element of the mouse is designed to support players in fast decision-making, precise execution, and unmatched consistency, whether competing in a professional environment or grinding ranked matches at home.

Beyond its impressive click system, the PRO X2 also introduces 10 selectable actuation steps, allowing players to fine-tune the actuation point of both main buttons. This level of control enables them to calibrate every click depth to match their preferred playstyle, role, or specific game requirements with zero hassle. These adjustments can be made seamlessly through Logitech G HUB software, giving them the flexibility to edit their settings without disrupting their momentum.

The PRO X2 also features LIGHTSPEED wireless technology that blends comfort and efficiency by delivering up to an 8 kHz report rate of untethered freedom. This end-to-end wireless solution ensures that every click and movement registers with exceptional speed and stability, earning the trust of esports professionals worldwide.

Precision Tracking Without Setbacks

Harnessing Logitech’s elite HERO 2 sensor, the PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE enables a reliable 888 IPS tracking speed with sub-micron precision, up to 44,000 DPI mouse sensitivity, and over 88G acceleration. For players, this level of control not only supports quick wrist flicks and controlled micro-adjustments but also helps in split-second decisions that require fast reaction. Movements are assured to have zero smoothing, acceleration, or filtering, giving players the chance to showcase their raw and unfiltered skills.

Lightweight Design Built for Long Competitive Sessions

Following the award-winning design of the SUPERLIGHT 2, the PRO X2 weighs 61 grams to support fluid movements and long competitive sessions. Additionally, it comes with a long-lasting battery, reaching up

90 hours of constant use, to allow players to focus on their games without worrying about charge times.

The PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE sets a new benchmark in player-controlled click innovation that redefines what competitive gaming hardware can deliver. Through Logitech’s advancing technologies, it brings together ultra⁠⁠-responsiveness and absolute control for a reliable wireless virtual performance.

Logitech G’s latest gaming mouse is priced at PHP 11,945 and is available exclusively on Shopee and Logitech Authorized Retail Partners and Gaming Specialists. To learn more about the product and upcoming product releases, follow Logitech G on Facebook. You may also visit http://www.logitechg.com for more product offerings.

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