TECHNOLOGY
How Samsung protects your smartphones from cyberattacks
Posted on Nov. 26, 2021 8:34 p.m.
The smartphone has become the center of how we work, live, and play. For many, it has even become the only thing that we bring out of the home, replacing our laptops, wallets, and even house keys.
While we are generally more mindful today of the dangers posed by hackers to our laptops and computers, we also need to recognize that smartphones are prone to cyberattacks as well. Hackers go where the crowds are and right now, that’s mobile devices. That’s why it’s never been more important to stay safe, and why we’re constantly innovating to protect you and your data against emerging threats.
The billions of smartphones around the world are filled with sensitive personal and business data, providing infinite opportunities for hackers to steal and sell private information. In fact, cybersecurity firm IronNet reported that cyberattacks have increased 168% between May 2020 and May 2021, with attacks on smartphones becoming one of the biggest cybersecurity threats in the Asia Pacific region.
Samsung is committed to keeping users safe and secure, with Samsung Knox providing true end-to-end protection throughout the entire lifecycle of your device. In this article, we explore five potential cyberattack scenarios that could happen when the safety of your device is compromised – and explain how Samsung Knox protects you from these threats, in line with our ethos of placing security at the heart of every decision we make.
Cyberattack Scenario 1: Unauthorized backdoor access
Outside of Samsung, developers routinely create software ‘backdoors’ for apps and even mobile OSes so that they can gain easy access for troubleshooting purposes. However, hackers are able to discover these backdoors, which usually bypass any or all cybersecurity measures on the device in question.
To prevent unauthorized backdoor access, do not download unofficial or unauthorized apps. Downloading software other than what the manufacturer originally installed to gain full access to the device’s operating system could also introduce malware or spyware that leads to unauthorized backdoor access.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: At Samsung, we design, create, and validate every computer chip, every piece of wiring, and every hardware component before using them to manufacture our smart devices in highly secure factories around the world. This chip-up approach gives us control over design, manufacturing, and assembly, ensuring a secure supply chain that prevents unauthorized backdoor access in our devices – resulting in an end product that our users can trust completely.
Cyberattack Scenario 2: Compromised, weak, or re-used passwords
As users continue to create new accounts for digital services, ranging from telehealth services to new ride-hailing and e-commerce platforms, they provide more avenues for hackers to exploit.
An August 2021 survey from IBM found, 86% of consumers in the Asia Pacific admit that they re-use the same credentials across multiple online accounts. This is a poor data privacy habit – just one attack could leave a user’s entire internet footprint vulnerable to hackers.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: Samsung’s devices are equipped with innovative biometric authentication technology, such as Ultrasonic Fingerprint so that access to your data can be protected even if your device is lost or stolen. Known as Samsung Pass, this biometric authentication tool also lets users easily access log-in credentials without the need to remember countless usernames and passwords. To take data protection to the next level, we have also equipped our devices with Knox Vault, a secure processor that operates independently from the main CPU. Knox Vault securely isolates your biometrics data from the rest of your phone, so no one can get their hands on your data.
Cyberattack Scenario 3: Free Wi-Fi may not be so free after all
Free Wi-Fi hotspots are a boon for everyone who needs access to the Internet on their mobile devices for work or play. However, public Wi-Fi services provide an opportunity for hackers to steal data, as the data that you send across the web – such as credit card information for online purchases – might first pass through the hands of a hacker via a public Wi-Fi network.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: For everyday browsing, Secure Wi-Fi encrypts outgoing internet traffic and disables tracking apps and websites. It allows you to browse the internet safely on public wireless connections without fear of security breaches.
Cyberattack Scenario 4: Phishing attacks compromising sensitive data
Phishing is a type of attack in which cybercriminals trick victims into handing over sensitive information or installing malware, disguised as links, attachments, or even legitimate apps, on their devices.
Once hackers have access to your sensitive information, they could use it to demand a ransom from you, steal your personal information, carry out other vices, or make purchases with your credit card information, for instance.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: Device Protection in Samsung Device Care continuously scans your device for malware or suspicious activity and alerts you when you mistakenly install malicious apps through detection via the McAfee protection.
Additionally, the Samsung Secure Folder keeps data secure and isolates problematic apps within the folder to keep apps away from users’ personal information.
Meanwhile, when you’re purchasing with Samsung Pay on your mobile device, your card information is encrypted and completely isolated to protect it at all times.
Cyberattack Scenario 5: Zero-day vulnerability
As hackers and cyber attackers are constantly trying to hack into devices, they are always on the lookout for zero-day vulnerabilities. A zero-day vulnerability is a vulnerability in a system or device that has been discovered but is not yet patched. This can be particularly dangerous as cybercriminals target the flaws in a system before developers or the public are aware it even exists.
How Samsung protects you against this threat: Samsung Knox offers real-time protection, always actively protecting your devices against data attacks or malware. This means that unauthorized attempts to access or modify your phone’s core is blocked in real-time.
When users reboot their Samsung smartphone, Secure Boot is activated to detect any unauthorized software and block attempts to compromise the device through multi-layered, defense-grade security. If the smartphone is booted in an unapproved state, Samsung Knox will automatically lock-up apps containing sensitive data such as Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, or Samsung Health.
Looking ahead to a more secure future
The smartphone has become a key part of our digital lives, whether from home, in the classroom, or even in the office. With new cyber-threat vectors continuously putting us at risk, we need to stay vigilant and play an active role in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe in this digital world.
Security does not just stop at smartphones for Samsung, as Knox protection also extends to the smart appliances in Samsung’s portfolio for an additional layer of protection. This means that your Samsung smart appliances are protected and secured, whether you are mirroring the video you are watching on your Galaxy device with the SmartView app to the screen on your Family Hub™ or using the AI function on your AI EcoBubble washing machine to calibrate optimal wash settings.
As a Samsung user, you can be assured that you have a digital partner committed to world-class security and privacy standards – keeping you safe while you work, study, and play.
To know more about how Samsung Knox protects your devices from cyberattacks, watch Samsung Knox: Collective Protection or read it at samsung.com/ph/news/local/how-samsung-protects-your-smartphones-from-cyberattacks/.
TECHNOLOGY
Never miss a beat: Why you need a failsafe internet backup at home
6:02 p.m. June 7, 2025
Imagine you’re on an important work call while your kids are researching online for a school project when suddenly, the connection drops. Your co-workers’ video freezes, and you hear your kids complaining about the internet. At this point, there is nothing you can do but wait for the connection to be fixed. If you don’t want to be caught in this situation, having a reliable backup is a must. And if you need more reasons why your home needs an “always-on” connection, here are three big ones.
1. Keep Your Productivity on Track
Today, we rely on the internet for almost everything, including our livelihoods. If you work from home, you know that a stable internet connection is non-negotiable. You can’t afford to miss online meetings and important emails or be offline during work hours.
And it’s not just you. If your kids are still studying, they need a reliable connection to finish their schoolwork. We can’t have them scrambling for a hotspot, especially at night. A failsafe backup, like a secondary LTE connection, ensures that everyone stays online by kicking in automatically when your primary line fails. It may not be as fast as your primary connection, but it will keep you connected. This brings us to the second reason…
2. Stay Connected, Especially During Emergencies
We live in an era where being connected is more important than ever—especially during emergencies. Need to contact emergency services? Attending a Telehealth appointment soon? Checking in on a loved one at the hospital for updates? Noticing unusual behavior in your pet and need to research symptoms online? Away from home and want to check your security cameras?
A primary connection with a reliable backup ensures that you’re always online when it matters the most. No need to worry about internet outages when you need access to crucial information or services.
3. Keep the Fun Going
After a long day, you deserve to unwind without frustration. A failsafe setup means that even during an outage, your household can still stream movies, play games, or stay in touch with family and friends.
While productivity and connectivity are top priorities, uninterrupted entertainment ensures that you can relax with confidence. It’s not just about fun—it’s about knowing that your downtime won’t be derailed.
Stay Connected with PLDT Home Always On
A failsafe internet backup isn’t just about avoiding headaches—it’s about being ready for anything. PLDT Home Always On features a built-in backup LTE that activates automatically when Fiber service becomes unavailable due to unexpected fiber cuts. These could be caused by events like cable theft or damage from road digging, tree trimming, extreme weather, and even rodent chewing. It also comes with a new WiFi 6 modem that supports up to 1Gbps on Fiber and UNLI LTE. Plus, it automatically notifies the repair team and creates a service repair ticket for you after 15 minutes.
With this kind of system, you’re future-proofing your home for a more productive, connected, and stress-free life. Don’t wait for the next outage to realize how much you need it. Get PLDT Home Always On today and stay online when it matters most.
TECHNOLOGY
Next generation of LG AI TVs is here
7:11 p.m. June 6, 2025
The next evolution in home entertainment is here. Continuing its 12-year legacy of OLED innovation, LG Electronics introduces its 2025 TV lineup, packed with powerful AI, immersive displays, and smart features designed to fit your lifestyle.
With next-level AI performance, intuitive controls, advanced display technology, and a refined user interface powered by enhanced processing, LG’s latest TVs deliver a major leap forward in performance, personalization, and everyday convenience.
Leading the Way in Display Technology: OLED evo and QNED evo
Marking 12 years of OLED excellence, LG continues to raise the bar in home entertainment with its 2025 OLED TV lineup. The latest LG OLED AI B5 delivers lifelike colors and richer hues for a more natural viewing experience, while the LG OLED evo AI C5 enhances brightness with its new Brightness Booster for clearer, more vibrant scenes. At the top of the range, the LG OLED evo AI G5 offers exceptional clarity and immersive visuals in a sleek, premium design—perfect for any modern space.
Pushing boundaries beyond OLED, the LG QNED evo AI impresses with Dynamic QNED Color that brings every scene to life. With a new 100” screen size option, ultra-slim design, and advanced color technology, LG’s QNED evo series redefines what’s possible for these TVs.
Smarter Performance with α-Series AI Processors
LG’s 2025 TVs are powered by the latest lineup of α-series AI processors: α11 AI Processor Gen2, α9 AI Processor Gen8, and α8 AI Processor Gen2, each designed to deliver a smarter, more immersive viewing experience. The α11 AI Processor Gen2 brings the most powerful performance for fast-paced content and premium entertainment. The α9 AI Processor Gen8 delivers incredibly clear and lifelike picture quality. The α8 AI Processor Gen2 ensures smooth and reliable everyday viewing.
With intelligent upscaling, adaptive sound, and content recommendations, LG’s AI processors help create a viewing experience that feels effortless, personal, and elevated.
A Viewing Experience Designed for You
LG’s 2025 OLED TV models learn and adapt to you. With a simple press of the AI button, the screen greets you with a personalized welcome and suggests relevant keywords based on your habits and environment. These TVs enable real-time learning, voice recognition, and accurate content recommendations that evolve over time.
The new Voice ID feature enhances personalization by instantly recognizing individual users without the need for manual profile switching. Just say, “Show me action movies,” and the TV curates content tailored to your viewing preferences. With support for user profiles, customizable Quick Cards, app prioritization, and the intuitive AI Concierge, LG’s 2025 lineup transforms the home screen into a smart, dynamic space that responds to your lifestyle.
Next-Level Picture and Sound, Powered by AI
Elevate your viewing experience with LG’s AI Picture Pro technology that maps each scene in three dimensions, fine-tuning contrast and detail for incredibly lifelike visuals. At the same time, LG’s AI Sound Pro adapts audio in real time, surrounding you with rich, immersive sound that makes every moment feel cinematic.
Remote Control, Reinvented for You
The AI Magic Remote, redesigned for your smart life, comes standard with the 2025 LG OLED lineup. The AI button has been moved front and center for easier access, replacing the previous mic button. Meanwhile, the new Home button replaces the usual Input button, providing quick access to the Home Hub for effortless management of all your connected devices.
Refreshed in design, the remote retains the familiar point, click, and scroll functions, making navigation simple and smooth. Engineered to unify your smart ecosystem, the AI Magic Remote streamlines control across all your devices.
Troubleshooting Made Easy
With LG’s built-in AI Chatbot, assistance is always at your fingertips. First introduced in 2024 and now even smarter, it can easily distinguish between content requests and technical issues. Just long-press the AI button and describe a problem such as “My TV turns on by itself,” and the system quickly scans relevant settings to provide real-time troubleshooting tips, making solutions effortless and quick.
LG’s latest OLED TVs don’t just innovate—they connect with you on a whole new level. With smart technology that adapts to your preferences, every moment at home becomes more immersive, intuitive, and truly yours. Designed to inspire optimism, these TVs help you appreciate the good in today while opening doors to tomorrow’s possibilities through meaningful, connected experiences, because life’s good when your TV feels like it knows you.
Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph/tv-soundbars/ and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.
TECHNOLOGY
Equinix completes acquisition to bolster digital innovation in the Philippines
8:11 p.m. June 3, 2025
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company®, recently announced the completion of the acquisition of three data centers in Manila, the Philippines, from Total Information Management (“TIM”), a leading technology solutions provider.
In 2024, the Philippines’ digital economy reached US$45 billion (PhP 2.5 trillion), accounting for 8.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.[1] This encompasses a wide range of digital transactions, including digital-enabling infrastructure, e-commerce, and digital media/content. The growing digital population, advancements in cloud development, and government initiatives—such as the National Broadband Plan and the Digital Philippines Campaign—are also accelerating the nation’s demand for high-performance digital infrastructure and advanced technology like AI.
Equinix hosts more than 2,000 networks globally and has a nearly 40% market share of the on-ramps to the major cloud service providers in the markets in which it operates. These newly acquired data centers also host leading network service providers with four of the main internet exchanges (IXs) in Manila. This robust network ecosystem offers a wide array of connectivity options for businesses that have a presence in the Philippines. With strategic partnerships with AI industry leaders like NVIDIA and HPE, Equinix’s entry into the Philippines will empower local organizations to connect with more than 10,000 companies within Equinix’s extensive global ecosystems, addressing growing demands for digital infrastructure and fostering AI innovation within the nation.
ASEAN has emerged as a premier destination for global businesses, drawing unprecedented foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of US$230 billion in 2023, despite a 10% decline in global FDI.[2] With a robust data center network spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, Equinix’s facilities in the Philippines will provide global customers and partners the opportunity to build their digital infrastructure in this vibrant market and throughout the wider region.
Cyrus Adaggra, President, Asia-Pacific, Equinix, said: “This expansion is instrumental in fostering interconnection, enabling our customers and partners to scale seamlessly and securely within one of the region’s most dynamic digital economies. By broadening our footprint in the Southeast Asia region, we are not only expanding our digital platform but also supporting the development of cutting-edge AI services and technology, aligning with the governments’ digital ambitions. This move reaffirms our commitment to empowering Philippines with innovative, world-class infrastructure to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”
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