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TECHNOLOGY

Back-to-the-office plan: A cybersecurity checklist from Kaspersky

April 11, 2023, 2:14 p.m.

March 2020 may be remembered as the day the world went on lockdown because of the pandemic.

In Southeast Asia, the rushed transition to work from home and then partially back to the office a year later turned to what people now embrace as the new norm. The hybrid work setup isn’t entirely new, but employees now want to stick to it. At the same time, companies have come to accept it after it proved to have worked fairly well for two years. 

Unfortunately, cybercriminals thought it worked to their advantage, too. With tons of valuable data employees bring with them on their devices, it could have felt like the best time for these cyber thugs who found themselves effortlessly stealing from their easy prey.

In 2020, there was an increase globally in the number of people using remote access tools such as remote desktop protocol or RDP, one of the most popular application-level protocols for accessing Windows workstations or servers. It also allows access to other device resources and RDP clients are available for all the most used modern OS such as iOS, OS X, Linux, Unix, and even Android. 

Originally designed as a remote administration tool, cybercriminals use RDP to penetrate the target computer by exploiting incorrectly configured settings or vulnerabilities such as weak passwords. Hacking an RDP connection is lucrative for cybercriminals.

In the same year, there were about 147,565,037 remote desktop protocol (RDP) attack attempts against users of Kaspersky in Southeast Asia. When the workforce slowly started going hybrid in 2021, the RDP attack attempts went up a bit to 149,003,835. It was in 2022 when the pandemic restrictions were lifted and by that time, the RDP attempts spiraled down to 75,855,129 or a plunge of -49% from the previous year. 

“Among our post-pandemic learnings is that flexibility, agility and openness are important to our sustainability and productivity in business. We are still evolving. Part of this evolution is the resounding desire of the workforce in Southeast Asia to stay within the hybrid setup, which boils down to our need for connection and empowerment as humans and we need to acknowledge that,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

“Part of listening to what the workforce is asking of us is providing options and support within the cybersecurity framework for their safe return to office work in any form. For companies, you will still have to use technology to drive productivity and it will remain this way as things get more and more sophisticated in the business space,” Yeo added.  

For the employed, switching to working from home has been difficult enough. After getting used to this setup for two years, returning to the office may just be as tricky. Companies are in the same predicament — rolling back some changes would mean jumping through hoops again like how they did when they deployed these in 2020. 

To help stressed IT security managers prioritize, we put together some cybersecurity action items for businesses:

  1. Keep work-from-home cybersecurity workarounds

Whether your workforce is returning from home to office or requires work-related travel, using virtual private network (VPN) and an advanced endpoint and detection response (EDR) solution will ensure their safe return to on-site work. Kaspersky Extended Detection and Response or XDR is a multi-layered security technology that protects IT infrastructure. Whereas EDR focuses on endpoints, XDR focuses more broadly on multiple security control points to detect threats more quickly, using deep analytics and automation. XDR creates security efficiencies by improving detection and response capabilities through unifying visibility and control across endpoints, network, and cloud. It facilitates advanced investigation and threat hunting capabilities across multiple domains from a single console. 

  1. Restore any security controls you disabled for remote workers

To allow remote employees to connect to the corporate network, especially from personal devices, some organizations weakened or disabled cybersecurity controls such as Network Admission Control (NAC). NAC checks computers for compliance with corporate security requirements, such as up-to-date malware protection before granting access to the corporate network. Upon employees’ return to the office, NAC should be turned on to protect the internal systems in case the machines pose any risks. Organizations need to anticipate such issues and have a plan that includes resources, deadlines, bug fixes, and maybe even help from IT integrators. 

  1. Update internal systems

Don’t forget to check internal critical services. The IT security team needs to know if there are any unpatched servers in the building before letting anyone in. With everyone returning to the office and connecting their laptops to the corporate network at once, just one unpatched domain controller can provide broad access to, for example, employee account data and passwords. 

  1. Get ready to save — and also to pay

Bringing employees back to the office may save employers some money. Companies can reduce the number of subscription-based cloud solutions or licenses, such as for video conferencing or electronic signature to bring some services back as local resources. Consider spending those freed-up budgets on organizing digital workstations so that employees can split their weeks between office and elsewhere. Remote work technologies like virtual desktops are much easier to deploy, manage, fix, and protect than remote computers. 

  1. Save the tools and settings that employees used remotely

Thanks to their pandemic experience, employees have mastered new communication and collaboration tools for chats, videoconferencing, planning, CRM, and others. If those tools worked well, employees will want to continue using them. In fact, 74% of Kaspersky’s survey respondents said they want more flexible and comfortable work conditions. Companies should be prepared either to approve new services or to suggest and defend alternatives. Dedicated solutions can help organizations manage access to cloud services and enforce associated security policies. IT security should be a business enabler, not a barrier.  

For SMBs and midrange enterprises, Kaspersky in Southeast Asia also has launched a Buy 1 Free 1 promo. Businesses can now enjoy two years of enterprise-grade endpoint protection for the price of 1 with Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business or Cloud or Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response Optimum, with 24×7 phone support. Interested customers can reach out to sea.sales@kaspersky.com.  

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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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