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
From raffle to reality: Infinix GGWP winners get their gold
1:05 p.m. January 31, 2026
Infinix officially wrapped up its highly anticipated gaming-themed promo, Infinix GGWP: Get Gold With Phones, with a special awarding program held on January 23, 2026 at the Infinix Concept Store, SM North EDSA, where winners received their prizes alongside Infinix representatives.
The campaign’s grand finale was first marked by a live raffle draw on January 12, 2026, streamed on the brand’s official TikTok page, @infinixphilippines, announcing 50 lucky customers as the campaign’s champions.
The multi-week promotion rewarded Infinix customers with a rare and premium collectible: the Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coin, created in collaboration with the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), one of the most influential esports leagues in the country. Each gold coin symbolizes achievement and victory, and is carefully packaged in a premium box with an official certificate of authenticity to ensure its collectible value.
Eligible participants included customers who purchased any Infinix NOTE 50 Series or GT 30 Series smartphone from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with each purchase automatically granting one raffle entry for a chance to win. Valued at approximately PHP 40,000, the gold coin serves as both a trophy and a testament to Infinix’s dedication to gaming culture and its growing community of mobile gamers.
The winners were later celebrated in an exclusive awarding program where they received their gold coins in person, alongside Infinix representatives who congratulated them on their victory. Jelly Buan, Infinix Marketing Manager, shared, “We are thrilled to celebrate our customers’ passion for gaming with the Infinix GGWP campaign. This awarding program allows us to personally thank our community and reward their loyalty in a way that is meaningful and memorable.”
Winners also expressed their excitement during the awarding, sharing their personal experiences and heartfelt appreciation for the prize.
For Marivic Alfonso, who purchased the NOTE 50 Series, the news of her win was nothing short of overwhelming. She recalled how her children were the first to deliver the surprise.
“I jumped for joy and cried when I found out from my kids that I was a winner,” she shared, still visibly emotional during the ceremony. Holding her Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coin, she added, “I’d like to thank Infinix for this. This will really help my children in their studies when the time comes.”
Christine Salaza, another NOTE 50 Series buyer, also had a story rooted in family and gratitude. She revealed that the phone she purchased was actually a thoughtful gift from her closest friend.
“I got the NOTE 50 as a gift from my best friend,” she said with a smile. Expressing what the win meant to her, Christine added, “Thank you Infinix, I can use this to help my parents.”
Meanwhile, first-time raffle winner Jennelyn Montecalvo, who bought the GT 30 Series, described how her partner’s love for gaming and Mobile Legends first drew her to the brand.
“Actually, my partner is really a fan of Infinix cause he likes to play MLBB, so he told me when he comes back from overseas he’ll really buy an Infinix phone,” she shared. Winning the gold coin was a moment she never expected. “Thank you so much Infinix, not only do I have a phone, but I also got a gold coin. And it’s my first time winning a raffle so I’m really grateful.”
For Edward Tan, who purchased four phones for himself and his family across the NOTE 50 and GT 30 Series, the GGWP campaign reaffirmed his trust in the brand’s promise of value and performance.
“Infinix Philippines continues to deliver high-quality smartphones at an affordable price,” Edward said. “Compared to the more expensive devices I used to buy, which often didn’t feel worth the cost, Infinix gives me exactly the performance and reliability I need without stretching my budget.”
The awarding ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd, highlighting the excitement and joy of the winners as they received their Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coins. Events like this allow Infinix to connect personally with its community, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the mobile gaming space while blending technology, entertainment, and culture to reward customer loyalty in meaningful and memorable ways.
For the latest updates on Infinix promotions, product launches, and community events, follow @infinixphilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
TECHNOLOGY
HONOR X9d 5G smashes 1st-day sales, up 160% over HONOR X9c 5G
8:59 p.m. January 29, 2026
Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines had a fantastic start to the year with the launch of its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G. The brand kicked things off on January 1 with its viral drop tests, followed by the star-studded HONOR X9d 5G vs. Tesla Cybertruck experiential event, culminating in its grand launch at the Grand Hyatt. On January 24, the HONOR X9d 5G officially hit stores nationwide with a record-breaking first-day sales performance, posting a 160% increase compared to its predecessor, the HONOR X9c 5G.
“On behalf of HONOR Philippines, I thank our loyal HONOR fans, partners, and media friends for the overwhelming support for the HONOR X9d 5G. This success would not have been possible without your trust and belief in us. We are truly grateful, and we promise to continue bringing you tougher, smarter, and more exciting innovations,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
Celebrating HONOR X9d 5G
Positioned as the most durable smartphone in the market, the latest HONOR X9d 5G showcases all-around drop, water, and dust resistance, ensuring it can withstand drops from heights of up to 2.5 meters onto certain surfaces. Reinforced by HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, Non-Newtonian fluid, and new ultra-tough deep-tempered glass, the device is safeguarded against 10 more types of stone-ground impact and even air-gun shooting.
On January 24, a grand fan fest was held at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, bringing together OPM icons Sponge Cola, HORI7ON, Fitterkarma, Shanne Dandan, Figvres, and Pommelo. To the delight of pre-order buyers, HONOR gave away exclusive collaboration shirts with Linya-Linya, along with other exciting prizes throughout the day.
HONOR X9d 5G is now available nationwide!
Coming in three exciting colors, Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, and Sunrise Gold, HONOR X9d 5G if priced at Php 18,999 with FREE HONOR Gift Box and Jisulife Life Fan5. Head to any HONOR Experience or Partner Store, or shop online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9d_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9d_Media), or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9d_Media).
With Home Credit, you can get the HONOR X9d 5G for as low as Php 24 per day with an additional Php 1,000 discount, payable for up to 18 months. The promo runs until February 15, 2026. Apply here: https://bit.ly/HomeCredit_X9d_FB.
For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.
TECHNOLOGY
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
10:10 p.m. October 24, 2025
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award.
The recognition was conferred on Oct. 23, 2025, during the awarding ceremony organized by the institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).
DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.
The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.
“Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. “We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted, publicly-listed companies and remain focused on creating a long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and the communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.”
The Architect of the Blue Hour
From raffle to reality: Infinix GGWP winners get their gold
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