TECHNOLOGY
Every 2 in 3 Southeast Asia businesses are ransomware victims, Kaspersky study finds
August 16, 2022 5:39 p.m.
Ever since the infamous Wannacry attack, ransomware has become something of a buzzword within the corporate world, with large attacks on enterprises appearing in headlines month after month.
Businesses in Southeast Asia (SEA) are well within the radar of these cybercriminals with three in five (67%) confirming that they have been victims, according to the latest research by Kaspersky.
Global cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, surveyed 900 respondents across North America, South America, Africa, Russia, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, 100 of which were from SEA. Conducted in April 2022, the research titled “How business executives perceive ransomware threat” gathered the answers from those in senior non-IT management (such as CEOs, VP, and Director level) and business owners or partners at companies with 50-1000 employees.
Half of those (34%) who have admitted having their data maliciously encrypted by cybercriminals experienced ransomware attacks not once but several times. The remaining respondents (33%) said they have experienced such incidents one-time only.
The most common denominator among ransomware victims in the region is that almost all paid the ransom (82.1%). In fact, 47.8% of the surveyed executives confessed that they paid the ransom as soon as possible for immediate access to their business data, two digits higher than the global average of 38.1%.
Almost a quarter (23.9%) did try to get their data back through back-ups or decryption but failed and paid ransom within two days while 10.4% took a week of effort before paying up.
When the ransomware victims were asked of the steps they will conduct should they face the same incident, majority (77%) of the business leaders in SEA confirmed that they will still pay the ransom showing a worrying tendency for companies that have already been a victim of ransomware to pay up, encouraging cybercriminals to continue their attacks.
“It is concerning to see that only 17.9% of businesses here in SEA victimized by ransomware did not budge on the cybercriminals’ demands. We stand firm that paying the ransom should not be a knee jerk reaction for enterprises. But, with more than half (67%) of those we surveyed admitting that their organizations would not survive without business data if attacked, we understand the urgency and the desperation to get their data back as soon as possible, by all means,” comments Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.
Kaspersky’s study also revealed a key puzzle piece – that the majority (94%) of enterprises in SEA will seek external help if attacked by ransomware. This is a tad higher than the global rate at 89.9%.
Almost a quarter (20%) of which will contact the law enforcement, while 29% will reach out to a third party cybersecurity incident investigation and response service provider like Kaspersky. The remaining percent will contact both of these external organizations to know how to respond to a ransomware attack.
“With only 5% of enterprise leaders confirming that they have internal incident response capabilities or they have the regular IT team or service provider to figure out a ransomware attack, it is clear that our enterprises here in SEA need help. We advocate for cross-border and public-and-private cooperation that will help governments and companies to combat threats like ransomware. However, such is not the only answer. Enterprises here should really look into acting on concrete steps to upskill or even to build their own security defense team with intelligence-led incident detection and response capabilities,” adds Yeo.
Global cybersecurity company Kaspersky co-founded the global project called “No More Ransom Initiative” which has grown from four partners to 188 and has contributed 136 decryption tools covering 165 ransomware families.
Since its launch in 2016, it has helped more than 1.5 million people decrypt their devices all over the world. Nearly 30,000 ransomware victims from July last year to June end of 2022 in SEA were also able to retrieve their data through this project.
The project is done by Kaspersky along with the National High Tech Crime Unit of the Dutch National Police, Europol’s European Cybercrime Center, and other partners.
Kaspersky, however, puts emphasis on preventing a ransomware attack. The global cybersecurity company encourages businesses to follow these simple and effective recommendations to help protect their organizations against this threat:
- Always keep up-to-date copies of your files so you can replace them in case they are lost (e.g. due to malware or a broken device). These should be stored not only on a physical device but also in cloud storage for greater reliability. Make sure you can quickly access your backups in the event of an emergency.
- Install all security updates as soon as they become available. Always update your operating system and software to eliminate recent vulnerabilities.
- Provide security education to your staff. Explain that by following simple rules, employees can help prevent ransomware incidents. Check out dedicated training courses, such as the ones provided in the Kaspersky Automated Security Awareness Platform.
- Enable ransomware protection for all endpoints. There is a free Kaspersky Anti-Ransomware Tool for Business that shields computers and servers from ransomware and other types of malware, prevents exploits and is compatible with already installed security solutions.
- Enterprise companies are recommended to use anti-APT and EDR solutions, enabling capabilities for advanced threat discovery and detection, investigation and timely remediation of incidents, as well as to have access to the latest threat intelligence. An MDR provider could help to effectively hunt any advanced ransomware attack. All of the above is available within Kaspersky Expert Security.
If you become a victim, never pay the ransom. It won’t guarantee you get your data back but will encourage criminals to continue their business. Instead, report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and get help from incident response experts such as Kaspersky.
Companies can also try to find a decryptor on the internet – some of these are available at https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/index.html
TECHNOLOGY
Capture life’s magic with vivo Y19s’ 50MP Night AI Camera
4:20 p.m. December 27, 2024
Step up your photography game with the vivo Y19s for as low as P6,499, the smartphone designed for those who live life in full color.
Equipped with a 50MP Night AI Camera and AI Photo Enhance, the vivo Y19s ensures that every shot is breathtaking, even at night!
Budget phone that revolutionizes night photography
The vivo Y19s redefines what a budget smartphone can achieve in low-light conditions. Its powerful 50MP Night AI Camera is engineered to capture crisp, vibrant, and detailed images, even in dim environments.
With advanced AI technology, it automatically optimizes your shots, making your photos vibrant and full of life any time of the day.
Even portrait shots look stunning! Check this out:
[Embed video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7443407000601382200 ]
Effortless editing with AI Photo Enhance
Complementing its 50MP Night AI Camera, vivo Y19s also boasts AI Photo Enhance, a tool that optimizes images in one click by intelligently adjusting the exposure, colors, and sharpness of your photography to ensure an Instagram-ready photo!
Stylish colorways to match your flair
Beyond its camera, the vivo Y19s is built for seamless, all-day use. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching videos, or gaming with friends, this smartphone is made to keep up:
- Bright and Vibrant Display: The 6.68-inch screen with 1000 nits peak brightness ensures clear visuals, even under direct sunlight.
- Enduring Power: With a 5500mAh battery and 15W fast charging, the vivo Y19s powers your day from start to finish.
- Durable and Stylish Design: Choose from Pearl Silver, Glacier Blue, or Glossy Black and enjoy IP64 dust and water resistance – style and durability combined.
Get yours today
The vivo Y19s is available for as low as P6,499 with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Ready to make your memories even more stunning? Grab yours today at the vivo e-store, Shopee, or Lazada, or visit the nearest vivo physical store!
TECHNOLOGY
Zoom into the Powerful Camera Features of the OPPO Find X8
6:25 p.m. December 26, 2024
In today’s fast-paced world, capturing memories isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to tell your story. Whether you’re sipping a latte at your favorite hidden café, enjoying a vibrant night out, or exploring scenic landscapes, the OPPO Find X8 ensures every moment is captured in stunning detail.
Hasselblad Master Camera System: Professional Quality in Your Pocket
At the heart of the OPPO Find X8 is the Hasselblad Master Camera System, a game-changer for mobile photography. Featuring three 50MP cameras—a wide-angle, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens—it allows you to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate close-ups with outstanding quality.
The AI Telescope Zoom lets you snap crystal-clear images even at 120x, so you can immortalize those far-off moments.
Additionally, the periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and AI-enhanced 60x zoom brings distant subjects into sharp focus. Imagine capturing the perfect shot of your idol on stage—even from the nosebleed section of the concert hall.
Love taking portraits? The Hasselblad Portrait Mode recreates the iconic bokeh effect of Hasselblad’s legendary lenses. Whether it’s a candid shot during brunch or a golden-hour portrait at the park, your photos will radiate elegance and clarity.
Pro Tip: Elevate your portraits by playing with the lighting. With the OPPO Find X8’s intelligent subject detection, even low-light settings turn into your personal photo studio.
Lightning Snap: Perfect for Action Shots
Life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment, and neither should you.
With the OPPO Find X8’s Lightning Snap feature, you can freeze moving subjects, be it a bustling city street or your bestie dancing at a rooftop bar. The camera captures bursts at up to 7 frames per second, ensuring you never miss a beat.
Pro Tip: Hold down the shutter button while capturing motion. Later, select your favorite frame to showcase your creativity.
HyperTone Image Engine: True-to-Life Photos
The HyperTone Image Engine takes your photos to the next level by merging multiple frames into one breathtaking image. Vibrant colors, balanced lighting, and rich details make every shot gallery-worthy. Whether it’s the latte art on your cappuccino or a vibrant sunset, your photos will pop with lifelike beauty.
LivePhoto: Bring Moments to Life
Why settle for static photos when you can have dynamic ones? The LivePhoto feature captures both stills and short video clips, letting you relive moments exactly as they happened. It’s perfect for capturing a bustling market scene or the cheers during a celebration.
Make Every Night an Adventure
Night owls will love the OPPO Find X8’s low-light capabilities. Its advanced sensors and AI ensure noise-free, vibrant photos even in dim settings. Whether you’re capturing neon lights at your favorite bar or a starry night during a getaway, the results are nothing short of magical.
Make Memories That Last
Whether it’s a solo café session, or a night out with friends, or a weekend getaway, the OPPO Find X8 ensures every moment is picture-perfect. Its intelligent, user-friendly features make it the ideal tool for modern, on-the-go creatives.
The OPPO Find X8 is now available nationwide. It’s priced at PHP 54,999 and comes in two colorways – Space Black and Star Grey. Visit any authorized OPPO stores or shop in the OPPO’s official stores in Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop to get your hands on this powerhouse device.
Celebrate Christmas the Maligayang PaskOPPO way
Are you a My OPPO App user? Register now to participate in the Maligayang PaskOPPO promo where over Php 500 million worth of gifts await Filipino shoppers until January 5, 2025 both online and in stores.
Download the My OPPO App or visit this link to know more or drop by your nearest OPPO stores nationwide to enjoy these exciting perks
To know more about the OPPO Find X8, Maligayang PaskOPPO Campaign, and the My OPPO App, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
TECHNOLOGY
Converge kicks off data privacy advocacy program for students
3:30 p.m. December 12, 2024
AMID the increasing social media activity of young Filipinos, leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has launched an advocacy campaign that advances digital literacy and privacy awareness among school children.
Through its Corporate Governance and Data Privacy (CGDP) Group, Converge introduced its Project PIGLET (Privacy Integration through Guided Learning of Emerging Technologies), which intends to educate learners on the importance of protecting their personal information online.
To kickstart the initiative, Converge tied up with its neighboring primary school Francisco Legaspi Memorial School (FLMS) in Pasig to engage its pupils in Grades 2 to 6 in a child-friendly discussion on digital literacy and responsible online behavior.
“The goal of this initiative is to raise awareness about the potential risks in the internet since children nowadays are already given access to gadgets and social media. We believe it is essential to start educating kids to be more vigilant from an early age, both at home and in school, to help them avoid falling victim to these threats,” said Converge SVP and Corporate Compliance and Data Protection Officer Atty. Laurice Esteban-Tuason.
During the launch, Converge hosted a storytelling session for the pupils, along with their parents and teachers. Integrating a child-friendly spin on the topic, the story follows the adventures of the ‘Astro Kids’ in the ‘Internet Universe,’ where they encounter deceptive monsters, feigning friendliness, tricking them to share their personal information like their full name, birthday, address, and contact information.
With the help of Captain Conrad, the Astro Kids successfully defeated the monsters in the story, guiding the participants to be cautious and not to easily trust individuals who seem overly friendly in cyberspace. Additionally, the students were encouraged to inform their parents or teachers about such incidents of potential identity theft, fraudulent schemes, and misinformation.
“The technology is constantly evolving, and our call is for all of us to be aware and vigilant as we navigate all these. We hope that the lesson we impart through this program is a step to a safer online and digital experience for all of us,” added Esteban-Tuason.
Next year, Converge plans to explore other approaches to engage students at other academic levels and visit more schools throughout the country to spread the campaign.
Converge has been actively striving to help foster safe and secure online spaces for Filipinos. In 2022, Converge collaborated with UK-based child abuse watchdog Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat the distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
Additionally, Converge partnered with the Stairway Foundation last year to raise awareness about ways to safeguard kids against online sexual abuse and exploitation.
Moreover, ensuring that its network won’t be used for criminal activities, the company also blocked almost 12 billion entry attempts to illicit and harmful web addresses as of end-2023.
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