TECHNOLOGY
Cybercriminals continue to chase SEA’s remote workers
October 3, 2022 2:05 p.m.
As hybrid and remote work continue to be the norm in Southeast Asia (SEA), Kaspersky has foiled here over 47M Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks during the first six months of 2022.
The number of Bruteforce.Generic.RDP targeting remote workers in the region logged a total of 47,802,037 incidents from January to June this year. On average, Kaspersky solutions blocked 265,567 brute-force attacks in SEA daily.
In this period, Kaspersky secured most users from Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand from this type of threat.
These statistics are based on detection verdicts of Kaspersky products received from users who consented to provide statistical data.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is Microsoft’s proprietary protocol, providing a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer through a network. RDP is widely used by both system administrators and less-technical users to control servers and other PCs remotely.
A Bruteforce.Generic.RDP attack attempts to find a valid RDP login/password pair by systematically checking all possible passwords until the correct one is found.
A successful Bruteforce.Generic.RDP attack allows an attacker to gain remote access to the targeted host computer.
“Naturally, working from home or anywhere out of the office requires employees to log in to corporate resources remotely from their personal devices. One of the most common tools used for this purpose is RDP. Microsoft 365 is still the preferred software used by enterprises and SEA boasts of more than 680 million people, half of which are under 30 and are highly tech-savvy. So we see the use of this protocol to continue as remote working remains the norm and expect that malicious actors will continue their chase to compromise companies and organizations here through brute-force attacks,” says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.
While RDP attacks are not conceptually new, Kaspersky notes that cybercriminals exploit the recent trends and the remote and hybrid environment to target enterprises. Brute-force attacks on RDP are not new, but never before have so many employees used these protocols. That is likely the reason why they continue to be the primary focus for attackers in SEA.
While corporate and perimeter security remains important, the recent mass transition to remote or hybrid work has shown all too clearly that even the best corporate security cannot compensate for a lack of user awareness. Especially with 60% of companies allowing employees to use their own devices for work, businesses must train their staff in cybersecurity best practices, so that they are aware of the risks and understand how to work securely with corporate resources.
This cyber hygiene training must also be accompanied by changes in IT administration. IT needs to provide additional support to employees, making sure updates are applied on time and issues with connecting remotely are fixed promptly.
For many businesses, remote work is not a temporary solution. Many have already announced that, even after the pandemic subsides, work-from-home options and a hybrid model will become a permanent fixture of the employee experience.
“Moving forward, businesses have to rethink the way their corporate networks are organized. Since all machines are not located in the office and hence, not connected to the corporate network, adjustments need to be made to ensure endpoints stay secure and corporate resources are protected. Cybercriminals will always be ready to take advantage of disruptive current events. Fortunately, staying protected against an evolving set of cyber risks does not require any high-tech or advanced programming skills. It just requires a little knowledge of basic cyber safety rules,” adds Yeo.
Kaspersky experts also offer tips to help employers and businesses stay on top of any potential IT security issues and remain productive while staffs are working remotely or from home:
- Ensure your employees have all they need to securely work from home and know who to contact if they face an IT or security issue.
- Schedule basic security awareness training for your employees. This can be done online and cover essential practices, such as account and password management, email security, endpoint security, and web browsing.
- Take key data protection measures including switching on password protection, encrypting work devices, and ensuring data are backed up.
- Ensure devices, software, applications, and services are kept updated with the latest patches.
- Install proven protection software, such as Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business, on all endpoints, including mobile devices, and switch on firewalls.
- Ensure you have access to the latest threat intelligence to bolster your protection solution.
- Double-check the protection available on mobile devices. For example, it should enable anti-theft capabilities such as remote device location, locking and wiping of data, screen locking, passwords, and biometric security features like Face ID or Touch ID, as well as enable application controls to ensure only approved applications are used by employees.
- In addition to physical endpoints, it is important to protect cloud workloads and virtual desktop infrastructure. As such, Kaspersky Hybrid Cloud Security protects hybrid infrastructure of physical and virtual endpoints, as well as cloud workloads whether running on premise, in a datacentre or in a public cloud. It supports integration with major cloud platforms, such as VMware, Citrix or Microsoft, and facilitates migration from physical to virtual desktops.
TECHNOLOGY
inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH
2:11 p.m. February 12, 2026
WITH over four million installations in 2025 alone, inDrive ranked fourth among the most downloaded travel apps in the Philippines, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.
This ranking underscores Filipino users’ growing demand for inDrive to expand beyond ride-hailing as it evolves into a mobility super app.
inDrive also remained the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app for the fourth straight year. It also climbed from fifth to fourth place among the top travel apps globally and topped this category in Pakistan, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, and Zimbabwe.
Reflecting on this milestone, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said, “This recognition reflects the trust people place in our platform and the continued dedication of our global team. As inDrive evolves into a super app, we remain focused on our core principles of fairness, transparency, and user choice while expanding access to services that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.”
Full Speed Ahead as inDrive Evolves into a SuperApp
With inDrive growing its user base year-on-year, the app has begun expanding its services beyond ride-hailing in other key markets. Among these new offerings is inDrive.Ads, an in-app advertising platform. By generating new income streams, inDrive can keep its take rate among the lowest in the industry while supporting long-term sustainability for riders, drivers, and local communities.
Now live in 20 countries, including the Philippines, inDrive.Ads plans to expand to all global markets within this year. On inDrive.Ads, ads appear across various screens in the funnel and include multiple-dimension banners featuring graphics and animation, with transparent measurement tools built in.
Tomsky said in a statement, “Diversifying our business with a high-margin stream like Ads is an important step for inDrive. This new line gives us more flexibility to fund affordability at scale.”
Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Representative, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “inDrive.Ads is our way of championing fairness and accessibility on all facets of our SuperApp. Through this, we can maintain fares that are both affordable for passengers and lucrative for our drivers and create equal opportunities for more people and brands.”
Beyond its global launch of inDrive.Ads, inDrive has also expanded into intercity transportation, courier and grocery delivery, and financial services in other global markets. These new services utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to fix mapping gaps, improve ETA accuracy, anticipate user needs, and personalize solutions. Through these AI-powered offerings, inDrive continues to drive innovation while still giving users the freedom of choice in every ride.
Throughout the rest of 2026, inDrive will continue to update its features and grow its user base, becoming a true mobility superapp. Amid this shift, it ensures that all rollouts will be built around fairness, opportunity, and people’s real needs. For more updates on inDrive’s new offerings available in the Philippines, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.
TECHNOLOGY
Google AI Tools open new frontiers for wildlife conservation in PH, Southeast Asia
2:22 p.m. February 5, 2026
The endangered hog deer was once plentiful throughout South and in Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand. The species now faces serious decline and a loss in genetic diversity.
As the Philippines continues to battle biodiversity loss, Google has announced a major step forward in using AI to preserve endangered species. Through a partnership with the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), Google is providing advanced AI tools and funding to sequence the genetic codes of threatened animals, a move that holds significant promise for conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines.
Scientists predict that up to one million species globally face extinction. To combat this, Google is deploying AI technologies—including DeepPolisher, DeepVariant, and DeepConsensus—to make genomic sequencing faster, more accurate, and more affordable.
This process allows researchers to create a “biological instruction manual” for species, vital for designing effective conservation strategies.
Regional Impact for Southeast Asia. The initiative has already successfully sequenced 13 endangered species, several of which are native to the broader Southeast Asian region, highlighting the technology’s relevance to local ecosystems:
● The Elongated Tortoise: A critically endangered reptile native to Southeast Asia, currently the focus of captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.
● The Hog Deer: Once plentiful across South and Southeast Asia, this species now faces serious decline and loss of genetic diversity.
● Eld’s Deer: An endangered deer species indigenous to the region that requires breeding and conservation plan to survive.
Expanding the Safety Net. In addition to the initial species, Google.org has awarded the AI for Science fund to The Rockefeller University to expand this work to 150 additional species. This expansion opens the door for more unique wildlife—potentially including species found in the Philippines—to benefit from genomic preservation.
TECHNOLOGY
Infinix unveils XPAD Edge, its first 13.2-inch PC-level tablet redefining workplace productivity
12:01 p.m. February 2, 2026
Infinix today announced the launch of its first 13.2-inch ultra-slim productivity tablet, Infinix XPAD Edge. Featuring a 13.2-inch FHD+ (Full High Definition Plus) display, a sleek 6.19 mm metallic body, and a lightweight 588g design, XPAD Edge delivers the ideal balance of mobility and performance.With all-scenario 4G connectivity, the tablet redefines mobile productivity for modern creators, professionals, and learners.
Its detachable keyboard with touchpad transforms it into a true PC-level device, delivering a seamless workplace productivity experience, while combining cutting-edge technology and accessibility to give users greater freedom and efficiency everywhere.
Large Display, Ultra-Slim Design, and Productivity on the Go
Designed for today’s dynamic hybrid workforce, XPAD Edge enables users to work and learn efficiently anywhere. Measuring only 6.19mm thin and weighing 588g, it slips easily into a backpack or briefcase. Its 8000 mAh battery and all-scenario 4G connectivity provide lasting power and reliable access whether in a café, during travel, or at a remote worksite.
Furthermore, the expansive 13.2-inch 3:2 aspect-ratio display mirrors the proportions of a traditional PC screen, offering a broad workspace for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
With rich color reproduction and optimized contrast, every detail appears vivid and clear. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free performance, the XPAD Edge display filters up to 70% of harmful short-wave blue light and addresses the often-overlooked issue of screen flicker—helping to reduce eye fatigue during long working hours.
Inspired by the colors and light of the cosmos, the XPAD Edge is presented in the “Celestial Ink” colorway, refined metallic finish combines deep hues with a matte texture, blending technology with elegance in a minimalist design that suits both professional and personal settings.
PC-Level Experience for Smarter Workflows
Building on its ultra-slim design, XPAD Edge transforms mobile work into a truly PC-level experience. Designed as a versatile productivity hub, it brings together portability and power for efficient hybrid work and learning. Pre-installed WPS Office and an optimized task interface allow users to edit documents, manage files, and collaborate with ease. Whether preparing presentations, reviewing reports, or managing creative projects, XPAD Edge delivers a fast, intuitive, and professional workflow in every environment.
XPAD Edge supports split-screen, Parallel Windows, and multi-task drag-and-drop operations, maximizing the 13.2-inch large display for parallel applications. Within a single interface, users can browse data, take notes, and edit webpages effortlessly.
For external productivity, XPAD Edge supports Wireless Second Screen for PC*, enabling content mirroring or extension for meetings, design work, or entertainment. Users can also connect keyboards, mice, and other peripherals for a smooth, desktop-like experience that enhances both comfort and control.
In addition, XPAD Edge pairs seamlessly with the X Keyboard 20 to provide a flexible and natural writing experience. The magnetic keyboard and stylus combine precision with comfort, allowing users to take notes, sketch, or edit content with accuracy. Whether working in a café, classroom, or creative studio, XPAD Edge enables users to enjoy the freedom and efficiency of a complete mobile office anywhere.
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