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Kaspersky shares cybersecurity tips for a peaceful getaway during the Holy Week

5:18 p.m. March 28, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, the urge to unwind and kick back is natural. And it’s all too common for people to let their guard down completely when connecting to the Internet too– but shouldn’t.

Recently, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group shared their findings on identity theft cases in the country. Between November 2023 and February 2024, they uncovered 178 cases of “hijack profile” incidents. Half of these cases, eighty-nine (89) happened just in February. These cases mirror an upward trend seen throughout 2023, where the PNP recorded almost 3,000 cyber identity theft incidents.

Identity theft occurs when a fraudster obtains personal details from a victim, enabling them to commit identity fraud or fraudulently obtain goods/services. This stolen data can be used to open new bank accounts, take over existing ones, or impersonate the victim for criminal activities.

“In 2023, we monitored 26,164,699 web threats attacks in the Philippines, which made the country 4th with the highest web threats attacks globally, and when we looked at it closely, we found out that Filipinos were facing one (1) attack per second. These numbers are a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant at all times,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

Web threats are browser-based attacks used by cybercriminals to spread malware. This includes common dangers like phishing and viruses, along with offline data theft.

To help Filipinos enjoy a peaceful holy week vacation, below are some of Kaspersky’s recommendations to follow:

General travel tips:

  1. Be skeptical of tantalizing offers
  2. Check to make sure your connection is secure before entering any personal information on a website
  3. Always check the address bar to make sure you are actually on the website you are supposed to be on
  4. Buy tickets and book hotel rooms either from the company directly or through a well-known ticketing or hotel site
  5. Do not participate in questionable giveaways
  6. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication wherever possible
  7. Checking the address bar is always a good idea, but it may be insufficient; some malefactors know how to fake addresses. So always use a security solution like Kaspersky Premium that scans malicious links. 

Avail up to 20% discounts on Kaspersky’s consumer solutions like Kaspersky Premium, Plus and Standard for the whole month of March at  https://www.kasperskyph.com/.

On protecting your personal data against identity theft:

  1. Keep things to a minimum: Use social media sparingly. Don’t use your real name, never post any personal information and don’t share any personal data via social messaging services.
  2. Keep your computer up to date: Many hackers now use malware to steal your information. Keeping your computer up to date with security patches and antivirus software helps protect against existing vulnerabilities and detect new attacks.
  3. Browse safely: To limit the chance of a malware infection, don’t open unknown email attachments or browse suspicious websites.
  4. Be self-aware: Take the time to check your credit card statements for any strange charges, and contact your credit card bank provider the minute you notice that something’s awry.
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SCG prioritizes efficiency, sustainable growth in Q3, 9M/2024 report

1:41 p.m. December 11, 2024

SCG (Siam Cement Group) reported a slight revenue increase to 609.9 billion PHP in the first nine months of 2024. 

However, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, including dividends received from associates) amounted to 38,768 MB, a 10% decrease from the same period last year.

The company projects a three percent revenue increase for 2024 despite global economic turbulence, petrochemical downturn, geopolitical tensions, heightened domestic competition, and currency fluctuations. 

To navigate these challenges, SCG is implementing cost-cutting measures, including a $144 million reduction by 2025 and a $287 million working capital decrease by Q1/2025. 

The company is also streamlining operations, discontinuing unprofitable ventures like SCG Express and OITOLABS India, and exploring potential asset divestments. 

To enhance efficiency, SCG is increasing alternative fuel usage in Thai cement plants and automating tile production. 

While facing headwinds, SCG remains committed to its ASEAN expansion, with Vietnam and Indonesia driving 10% sales growth in the past nine months.

In the long term, green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth approach present business opportunities and advantages. 

Therefore, SCG is accelerating its investment in the Long Son Petrochemicals ethane project, allocating $700 million to reduce costs and boost global competitiveness. This move aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth, contributing to lower carbon dioxide emissions. 

Additionally, SCG is driving innovation with its Generation 2 Low Carbon Cement, which has seen an 86% replacement rate, and expanding its SCGC GREEN POLYMER™ brand.

Meanwhile, SCG Chemicals faces ongoing challenges from global economic conditions and industry headwinds. 

The company is investing $700 million to upgrade its LSP plant to utilize cost-effective U.S. ethane and mitigate possible challenges. The LSP plant has temporarily halted operations due to market conditions.

Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG

“For businesses, adapting to climate-related regulations is essential. Beyond our collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries on the Go Together project to enhance SMEs’ capabilities through eco-friendly innovation and technology, SCG has launched the NET ZERO Accelerator Program (NZAP) for small and medium enterprises, as well as young government executives. This program aims to equip participants with knowledge of public policies, trade mechanisms, and access to low-carbon business financing with the goal of reducing costs, increasing profitability, and fostering a green industry alongside a transition to a low-carbon society,” said Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG. 

SCG Green Polymer™ continues to gain traction, with recent partnerships yielding eco-friendly packaging solutions. 

The company is also advancing 3D printing technology in construction, collaborating with Samsung E&A to develop innovative solutions for the global market.

SCG’s cement and construction businesses are experiencing mixed results. While government infrastructure projects drive growth, the domestic market remains sluggish. The company focuses on sustainable solutions, such as low-carbon concrete and eco-friendly housing products. 

For Distribution and Retail, the company aims to expand its retail footprint in Indonesia, mainly through Mitra10 stores. It also invests in digital platforms like Q-Chang to enhance home services.

SCG Smart Living is innovating in landscape decoration and promoting prefabricated solutions for efficient construction. SCG Decor is reducing costs and expanding its market in Vietnam, while SCG Cleanergy focuses on clean energy solutions and innovative grid technologies.

SCG is actively growing its consumer packaging and medical supplies businesses. The company also prioritizes cost management, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices. SCG’s ASEAN operations, particularly in Vietnam and Indonesia, drive significant growth. The company remains committed to social responsibility, supporting communities through scholarships and disaster relief initiatives.

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Atayde named Siklab’s Trailblazer of the Year awardee

3:49 p.m. December 4, 2024

FOR putting premium on grassroots sports development, Quezon City first district Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde will be honored with the Trailblazer of the Year award in the Nickel Asia Corporation Siklab Youth Sports Awards 2024 on Thursday at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls BGC in Taguig City. 

Atayde’s efforts as a prime mover of the Youth Football League (YFL) will be recognized as well as for establishing the D1 basketball and volleyball leagues for the youth in Quezon City’s first district, where tournaments are shown live on Facebook everyday to inspire more kids to get into sports.

The QC District 1 Warriors, the team formed and supported by Atayde, crowned themselves champions of the 2024 CLS Cup in Indonesia last June after beating ACBA Tigers Sydney in the final. 

The actor-lawmaker is also a staunch supporter of the QCSEP fencing team of City Councilor Joseph Juico that produced the likes of Paris Olympian Samantha Catantan, while giving life-changing opportunities through the YFL with his uncle YFL president Mike Atayde in discovering and developing 18-and-under talents through the years. 

Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Paralympic Committee-Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group, the Siklab Youth Sports Awards’ Trailblazer of the year plum is awarded to outstanding individuals who promote quality grassroots sports development that created massive impact to the sporting community. 

Three more special awards will be presented to Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio as this year’s Sports Idol, longtime sports manager Agapito “Terry” Capistrano as Godfather of the Year and noted youth sports supporter Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong’’ Go as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

A total of 80 youth and junior athletes from 37 sports will be recognized in the fourth edition of the awards night supported by Nickel Asia Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MVP Sports Foundation, CEL Logistics, Go For Gold, Barley + WHEATGRASS Entrepro, Pacquiao Coffee, Milo, San Miguel Corporation, PLDT and powered by Smart.

World junior champions Tachiana Mangin of taekwondo, weightlifters Angeline Colonia and Lovely Inan headline the Young Heroes Awards together with 2024 US Junior Girls champion Rianne Mikhaela Malixi of golf and wushu’s Alexander Gabriel Delos Reyes.

Joining them are Asian junior gymnastics gold medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo, world youth champion Isabella Butler of ju-jitsu, Asian age-group swimming gold medalist Jamesray Mishael Ajido and table tennis youth champion Kheith Rhynne Cruz.

Muay thai world champions Janbrix Ramiscal and Lyre Anie Ngina, chess Olympiad gold medalist Ruelle Canino will likewise be honored in the Super Kids Award category.

Three-time jiu-jitsu world champion Aleia Aielle Aguilar, Palarong Pambansa multiple gold medalists Albert Jose Amaro II (seven golds) of swimming, Mitchloni Dinauanao and Francis Dave Sombal (five golds each) of dancesports will banner the Rising Stars Award category.

Also leading the list are world youth muay champion Royeth Rosa, fencers Yuna Canlas, Willa Galvez, Hagia Del Castillo and Nicol Amethyst Canlas along with golfers Francesca Nicole Gaisano Gan, Geoffrey Drew Ong Tan, swimmer Behrouz Mohammad Mojdeh and figure skater Dawn Jasmine Gothong.

Thirty awardees have been lined up in the Youth Heroes Award including Ana Bhianca Espenilla (athletics), John Andre Aguja (cycling), JR Pandi (badminton), Brandon Sanchez (baseball), Kieffer Alas (basketball), Marc Dylan Custodio (bowling), Nick Anjelo Payla (boxing) and Naina Dominique Tagle (archery), Gavin Moses Bangayan Ti (obstacle course racing), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh (swimming), Jonathan Reyes (squash), Jeniva Consigna (sambo) and Joseph Godbout (modern pentathlon).

Meanwhile, Ella Olaso (wrestling), Danielle Escolano (bowling), Xian Baguhin (boxing) Elaiza Yulo (gymnastics), Sebastien Mañalac (karate), Julia Claret Bintulan (karate), Zyche Mae Cruz Jizmundo (pencak silat), Shai Nitura (volleyball), Mariam Grace Balisme (wrestling), Paul Sondrei Capinig (wrestling), Andreas Lucho Aguilar (wrestling), Johanna Jeiel Barbero (wushu), Mark John Lazo (wushu), Carlstein Jade Dulay (sailing), Josa Gonzales (sailing), Marvin Mandac (cycling) and Thirdy Mana-ay (cycling) complete the roster for the Super Kids accolade.

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Shop local at DTI’s Christmas Village Fair in SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall

3:36 p.m. December 4, 2024

Celebrate the holidays at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 2 and 3, happening from November 30 to December 4.

Discover unique gifts, festive treats, and handcrafted treasures created by talented local entrepreneurs. Shop local and make this Christmas truly special!

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