TECHNOLOGY
Digital Dystopia: Kaspersky reveals possible realities of a world without cybersecurity
August 31, 2022 6:42 p.m.
Global firm’s 8th Cybersecurity Weekend imagines the answers to many what-ifs of the evolving technology world
Does the absence of cybersecurity equate to a safer world? Kaspersky’s elite security researcher invites us to think again.
To answer what of the many “What Ifs” of the technology industry, Vitaly Kamluk, Director of Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT) for Asia Pacific (APAC) at Kaspersky deep dived into the alternate realities of a world free of cybersecurity companies, solutions, and services.
Kamluk, in his presentation for Kaspersky’s annual Cybersecurity Weekend attended by more than 30 top media from the region, revealed a possible digital dystopia once the industry of online defense is removed from the equation.
“It is projected that cybersecurity spending globally is set to balloon to $460 billion in the coming years, almost double the 2021 cumulative expenditures and almost as big as current total GDP (gross domestic product) of Thailand, for example. The current threat landscape can take this projection up a few notches if we are to consider the real situation worldwide. So, it is natural to ask why we are investing so much into cybersecurity and wouldn’t it be worth saving all this money for something else,” said Kamluk.
While it is possible, Kamluk enumerated the reasons why no one would choose to live in a world without cybersecurity:
- No encryption, no privacy, no secrecy
- No access control
- No integrity validation
But removing the cyber defense industry opens up wide doors for criminals to exploit users’ data – from financial information, possible health issues, travel plans, spending, and more.
There will also be the possibility of fraudulent purchases, with everyone being able to claim one’s identity to purchase and even transfer money. Without access control, electronic voting and surveys can be rigged to someone’s favor. No one will have a private account online – there will be nothing private.
The absence of integrity validation also makes news and information untrustworthy, with fake news and disinformation expected to proliferate. You can’t trust any tech you use, any information you read. Basically, anything can be faked in a world without cybersecurity.
“I see a world without cybersecurity as a digital dystopia where no one can fully harness the opportunities brought about by the latest technologies that we have in our hands. Without companies and solutions working in the background to protect our data, our identity, the news we consume, and the applications and devices we use, we will be left on our own to wade through the risks and I am sure no one would choose to live in a chaotic world like this. Today, cybersecurity is often an invisible part of our life which we take for granted, but we owe it almost everything we have achieved as a civilization,” added Kamluk.
When it comes to risks, Kamluk also revealed in his presentation that Kaspersky from July 2021 to August 2022 alone, the global cybersecurity company has detected and blocked over 7.2 billion attacks by malicious objects including malware and malicious web content worldwide.
From August 2021 to July 2022, APAC appears to be a vulnerable region. One in every three (35%) detections of malicious objects detected by Kaspersky solutions globally were targeting users from the region. India, Japan, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia are the top five countries in terms of infection attempts.
As a global cybersecurity company and a top major contributor to detecting and foiling sophisticated attacks across the world, Kaspersky’s top executive also imagined a world without Kaspersky.
Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific and Vice President for Global Sales and Network at Kaspersky, went back to the company’s beginning in 1997 when no one would have known that the world would be fighting one malware every hour without Kaspersky’s heuristic analysis technology.
In 2015, the world without Kaspersky would also not have learned of an unprecedented $1 bln cyber-robbery stolen in about two years from financial institutions worldwide by the Carbanak cybercriminal group. Together with INTERPOL, Europol, and authorities from different countries, Kaspersky uncovered the criminal plot behind the greatest heist of the century.
Free decryptors will also not be an advocacy of many without Kaspersky co-founding No More Ransom initiative, which since then grew from four partners to 188, contributing 136 decryption tools and helping over 1.5 million people worldwide decrypt their devices.
“In 2017, we kicked off an industry benchmark with the launch of Kaspersky’s Global Transparency Initiative, as part of which we became the first cybersecurity company to offer its source code for third-party review. Five years after and with 25 years of expertise on our sleeves, we are now a team of over 4,500 professionals, creating a cybersecurity ecosystem as well as developing its own operating and IT systems that are inherently secure to bring on a cyber-immune future. Because we know the world needs cybersecurity and we are ready to do our part to bring on a safer future for everyone,” said Connell.
TECHNOLOGY
Pre-order vivo V50 Lite until April 25 to enjoy exclusive perks
1:30 p.m. April 18, 2025
There’s a new must-have phone in town and it’s Maine Mendoza-approved. Meet the all-new vivo V50 Lite with features that are perfect for go-getters, creatives, and trendsetters.
Whether you’re a heavy user or someone who’s always on the go like Maine, the massive 6500mAh BlueVolt battery will keep you powered all day. And when it’s finally time to recharge, vivo’s 90W FlashCharge ensures you’re back to full power in a flash. It’s no wonder this is Maine’s latest favorite!
But the vivo V50 Lite isn’t just about battery life. It’s built to impress from the inside out.
What makes the vivo V50 Lite a game-changer?
- SGS Five-Star Drop Resistance – Engineered for durability so you can stay worry-free even during accidental drops.
- IP65 Dust and Water Resistance – Ready for unpredictable weather and everyday mishaps.
- 60-Month Smooth Experience – Enjoy reliable performance that lasts for five years.
- AI SuperLink – Stay connected even in weak signal areas with this smart, always-on connectivity solution.
- 50MP Sony IMX882 Camera with Aura Light – Capture vibrant, clear, and well-lit photos even in low light.
- 120Hz Ultra Vision AMOLED Display – See and scroll with incredible clarity and smoothness.
- Dual Stereo Speakers with up to 400% Volume – Experience rich, immersive audio whether you’re watching or listening.
Choose the right vibe for you
The vivo V50 Lite comes in three powerful variants to match your lifestyle:
- 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM (4G) – Php 13,999
- 8GB RAM + 256GB ROM (5G) – Php 16,999
- 12GB RAM + 512GB ROM (5G) – Php 19,999
Until April 25, vivo fans who pre-order the V50 Lite will enjoy exclusive perks:
- Php 1,000 Off
- Limited Edition vivo Buds
- vivo VIP Card with 5-year battery warranty and 6 months extended warranty
Visit any vivo store nationwide and secure your vivo V50 Lite today. Don’t miss out as this is your chance to own the phone that’s not only smart and stylish, but also Maine Mendoza’s top pick for 2025.
The vivo V50 Lite: power meets beauty. Pre-order yours now!
TECHNOLOGY
Samsung unveils epic screens for the ultimate gaming experience
5:19 p.m. April 8, 2025
As the Philippine gaming community continues expanding rapidly, the urge for top-tier gaming displays has never been greater. Samsung stands at the forefront, unlocking a new phase of gaming for Filipinos through its Odyssey lineup that is set to take users beyond reality.
Samsung’s gaming monitors deliver unparalleled speed, precision, and immersion from the revolutionary glasses-free Odyssey 3D to the ultrawide Odyssey G9 and the industry-first 4K, 240Hz OLED G8.
A New Dimension in Gaming with the Odyssey 3D
The 27-inch Odyssey 3D (G90XF model) monitor introduces a next-level 3D experience, without the need for special glasses. By combining advanced eye-tracking with a lenticular lens, it delivers vibrant, lifelike 3D visuals through Samsung’s Reality Hub app.
Samsung has collaborated with top developers like Nexon (The First Berserker: Khazan) and Neowiz (Lies of P, Overture DLC) to ensure seamless 3D optimization. The built-in AI-powered 3D conversion enhances both gaming and video content, supported by a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms Gray-to-Gray (GtG) response time for fluid, responsive performance on its 4K screen. AMD FreeSync™ Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility eliminate choppiness and lag, even during fast-paced action.
For deeper immersion, Edge Lighting adapts to in-game visuals, illuminating the gaming space with synchronized ambient colors that amplify the 3D visuals and bring game environments to life.
Stunning OLED Brilliance with the Odyssey OLED G8
Available in 27” and 32”, the Odyssey OLED G8 sets a new standard for gaming displays. It features the industry’s highest pixel density for a 27” display, paired with the world’s first 4K resolution monitor with 240Hz refresh rate, delivering unmatched fluidity and responsiveness.
Its quantum dot technology and VESA DisplayHDR™ TrueBlack 400 ensure vivid colors and deep contrasts. Built for long-term durability, it features dynamic Cooling Safety and Samsung OLED Safeguard+ to prevent burn-in and ensure prolonged performance.
Other standout features include AI image upscaling, customizable Core Lighting+, and a sleek metal design, making this monitor as stylish as it is functional. Glare-free technology, certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), reduces screen reflections, while the AI processor optimizes lower-resolution content for the full 4K experience.
Expanding Horizons with the Odyssey G9
With its expansive 49” Dual QHD curved display and Picture-in-Picture features, the Odyssey G9 (G91F model) is ideal for immersive gameplay and multitasking. The HDR10+ GAMING supports optimized brightness and color range for a dynamic picture. A 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro guarantee smooth, vibrant gameplay. The Odyssey G9 also streamlines gaming access with Auto Source Switch+, automatically detecting connected devices and displaying them as soon as they are powered on, making gaming setups more effortless.
Unleash Victory with your Next Phase of Gaming
The advanced features and seamless connectivity ensure Filipino gamers stay ahead in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape. Each movement is presented with accuracy, giving players a clear competitive advantage, because when it comes to gaming, second best is never an option.
Pre-order Samsung’s Odyssey monitors until April 19, 2025 and enjoy exclusive discounts and perks. Early bird customers receive PHP 3,000 worth of e-vouchers, along with special deals such as up to Php 27,600 on the 32” Odyssey OLED G8, Php 19,800 off on the 49” Odyssey G9, and Php 45,850 off on the 27” Odyssey 3D. Elevate your gaming setup and seize the victory you’ve been striving for.
To know more about Samsung’s latest gaming technology, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/monitors/odyssey-gaming-monitor/.
TECHNOLOGY
DigiPlus bags 7 wins at 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards
3:56 p.m. April 4, 2025
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer in digital sports and entertainment in the Philippines and the company behind leading gaming brands such as BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, won seven honors – including five coveted gold awards – at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.
This milestone places DigiPlus among the most awarded companies in the region this year, spotlighting its strategic growth and transformative impact across digital entertainment, social development, and investor relations.
The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program that recognizes innovation across all 29 markets in the region. Widely regarded as the world’s premier business awards, the Stevie Awards represent a prestigious recognition of business excellence.
DigiPlus bagged five Gold Stevies for ‘Innovative Achievement in Growth’, ‘Innovation in Investor Relations’, ‘Excellence in Social Impact Companies’, ‘Innovation in Annual Reports’, and ‘Innovation in Corporate Websites’. The company also clinched Silver and Bronze Stevies for ‘Achievement in Product Innovation’ and ‘Innovation in Brand Renovation’ respectively.
At the core of these wins is DigiPlus’ commitment to innovation and digital transformation. From redefining the player experience through localized and immersive content, to launching a refreshed brand identity that resonates with a more connected and tech-savvy user base, DigiPlus has embraced a future-forward mindset. The company’s calculated investments in big data, cutting-edge technologies, and stakeholder engagement have not only fueled business growth, but also opened inclusive pathways to digital participation through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation.
“This momentous victory at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards affirms DigiPlus’ emergence as a true powerhouse of innovation and progress, reshaping industry boundaries and redefining digital consumer engagement on a global scale,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco. “Through consistent growth and business performance, DigiPlus reaffirms its unwavering commitment to creating long-term value.”
Winning entries in the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards undergo a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation by an esteemed panel of judges composed of business and industry leaders across the region. “The 12th Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards received an impressive array of outstanding entries,” said Maggie Miller, President of the Stevie Awards. “This year’s winners have clearly shown their dedication to innovation, and we commend their resilience and imaginative efforts.”
Acerpure drops first hand fan inspired by SB19’s MINTYLADORSES
Pre-order vivo V50 Lite until April 25 to enjoy exclusive perks
TCL celebrates 25 years of timeless greatness: Innovation and excellence in every Filipino home
