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TECHNOLOGY

Kaspersky unmasks active malicious campaigns targeting Android and iOS users in APAC

September 2, 2022 6:19 p.m.

Global cybersecurity company shares how to secure smartphones from “Anubis” mobile Trojan and the infamous “Roaming Mantis” campaign

With the continued uptick in the adoption of mobile banking in Asia Pacific (APAC), global cybersecurity company Kaspersky warns of more attacks against Android and iOS devices.

Particularly, active monitoring shows the notorious Anubis Trojan now delivers a combination of mobile banking Trojan with ransomware functionalities to its target smartphones.

Mobile banking Trojans are one of the most dangerous species in the malware world.

This type of threat steals money from mobile users’ bank accounts usually by disguising the Trojans as legitimate apps to lure people into installing the malware.

Kaspersky’s elite researcher – Suguru Ishimaru – zeroed in on the mobile threat landscape in APAC to answer: what if there are no smartphones? Sharing the reality that users cannot live without a mobile device, he unmasked the latest malware targeting iOS and Android users in APAC during the company’s 8th Cyber Security Weekend in Phuket, Thailand.

Suguru Ishimaru, Senior Malware Researcher for Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky 

Anubis is a mobile banking Trojan targeting Android users as early as 2017. Its worldwide campaigns targeted users from Russia, Turkey, India, China, Colombia, France, Germany, the US, Denmark, and Vietnam.

This malware family continues to be one of the most common mobile bankers, according to Kaspersky’s latest mobile statistics in the second quarter of 2022. In this period, one in 10 (10.48%) of unique Kaspersky users globally who encountered a banking threat have encountered Anubis mobile banking Trojan.

Initial infections are done through multiple ways – legitimate-looking and high-ranking but malicious apps available on Google Play, smishing (phishing messages sent through SMS), and Bian malware, another mobile banking Trojan.

Once in, this infamous mobile banker can do a complete device takeover. It can steal personal information and identity, access private messages and login credentials, record sound, request GPS, disable play protection, lock the device’s screen, and more.

“Anubis is known for compromising hundreds of bank customers per campaign, proving that it’s among the most active malware targeting Android users right now. Our recent findings show that the cybercriminals behind this threat have started implementing ransom functionalities. If this modification proves to be successful, chances are other malicious groups will copy the same technique of stealing data and holding devices hostage. As a result, I expect to see more of such attacks in APAC due to cybercriminals’ strong financial motivation,” says Ishimaru, Senior Malware Researcher for Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky.

The threat against Android and iOS users: Roaming Mantis

Another prolific threat actor targeting mobile banking users, globally and in the APAC region, is Roaming Mantis.

The group carries out malicious campaigns that target Android devices and spreads mobile malware initially via DNS hijacking and currently through smishing.

Kaspersky experts have been tracking its operations since 2018 and detected almost half a million attacks in APAC from 2021 to the first half of 2022.

Most numbers of the malware were blocked from infecting Kaspersky users in Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, and China.

Ishimaru also underlined that while the cybercriminal group is known for targeting Android devices, Roaming Mantis’ recent campaign showed interest in iOS users.

Using the same techniques, the smishing messages targeting iOS users contain a very short description and a URL to a landing page.

If a user clicks on the link and opens the landing page, there are two scenarios: iOS users are redirected to a phishing page imitating the official Apple website, while the Wroba malware is downloaded on Android devices.

If a victim inputs his credentials to the phishing website, it will then proceed to the 2FA (two-factor authentication) phishing website.

This allows the attacker to know the user’s device, credentials, and 2FA codes.

“There is a notion that iOS is a more secure operating system. However, we must take two things into account – the increasing sophistication of mobile bankers’ social engineering techniques and malware arsenal and the possibility for human errors. Remember that both Anubis and Roaming Mantis require user’s participation before they can take over a device. With more than half (63%) of digital payments in APAC doing their financial transactions online through mobile devices, awareness is no longer enough. Protecting our smartphones is a step that everyone should be doing by now,” adds Ishimaru.

Kaspersky expert suggests two layers of protection for smartphones

  • Basic security
    • Keep phones up-to-date and install the latest patches 
    • Reboot daily
    • Do NOT trust third-party apps and mobileconfig
    • NEVER click on links sent through SMS
    • Install a security solution like Kaspersky Total Security
  • Advanced protection
    • Use a VPN to mask your traffic
    • Check live network traffic using live Indicator of Compromise (IOCs)
    • Use Lockdown Mode for iOS 16 users
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TECHNOLOGY

inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH

2:11 p.m. February 12, 2026

WITH over four million installations in 2025 alone, inDrive ranked fourth among the most downloaded travel apps in the Philippines, according to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower. 

This ranking underscores Filipino users’ growing demand for inDrive to expand beyond ride-hailing as it evolves into a mobility super app.

inDrive also remained the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app for the fourth straight year. It also climbed from fifth to fourth place among the top travel apps globally and topped this category in Pakistan, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, and Zimbabwe.

Reflecting on this milestone, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said, “This recognition reflects the trust people place in our platform and the continued dedication of our global team. As inDrive evolves into a super app, we remain focused on our core principles of fairness, transparency, and user choice while expanding access to services that make a meaningful difference in people’s daily lives.”

Full Speed Ahead as inDrive Evolves into a SuperApp

With inDrive growing its user base year-on-year, the app has begun expanding its services beyond ride-hailing in other key markets. Among these new offerings is inDrive.Ads, an in-app advertising platform. By generating new income streams, inDrive can keep its take rate among the lowest in the industry while supporting long-term sustainability for riders, drivers, and local communities. 

Now live in 20 countries, including the Philippines, inDrive.Ads plans to expand to all global markets within this year. On inDrive.Ads, ads appear across various screens in the funnel and include multiple-dimension banners featuring graphics and animation, with transparent measurement tools built in.

Tomsky said in a statement, “Diversifying our business with a high-margin stream like Ads is an important step for inDrive. This new line gives us more flexibility to fund affordability at scale.”

Sofia Guinto, inDrive Philippines Country Representative, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “inDrive.Ads is our way of championing fairness and accessibility on all facets of our SuperApp. Through this, we can maintain fares that are both affordable for passengers and lucrative for our drivers and create equal opportunities for more people and brands.”

Beyond its global launch of inDrive.Ads, inDrive has also expanded into intercity transportation, courier and grocery delivery, and financial services in other global markets. These new services utilize artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to fix mapping gaps, improve ETA accuracy, anticipate user needs, and personalize solutions. Through these AI-powered offerings, inDrive continues to drive innovation while still giving users the freedom of choice in every ride.

Throughout the rest of 2026, inDrive will continue to update its features and grow its user base, becoming a true mobility superapp. Amid this shift, it ensures that all rollouts will be built around fairness, opportunity, and people’s real needs. For more updates on inDrive’s new offerings available in the Philippines, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.

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TECHNOLOGY

Google AI Tools open new frontiers for wildlife conservation in PH, Southeast Asia

2:22 p.m. February 5, 2026


The endangered hog deer was once plentiful throughout South and in Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Burma and Thailand. The species now faces serious decline and a loss in genetic diversity.

As the Philippines continues to battle biodiversity loss, Google has announced a major step forward in using AI to preserve endangered species. Through a partnership with the Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP), Google is providing advanced AI tools and funding to sequence the genetic codes of threatened animals, a move that holds significant promise for conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots like the Philippines.

Scientists predict that up to one million species globally face extinction. To combat this, Google is deploying AI technologies—including DeepPolisher, DeepVariant, and DeepConsensus—to make genomic sequencing faster, more accurate, and more affordable.

This process allows researchers to create a “biological instruction manual” for species, vital for designing effective conservation strategies.

Regional Impact for Southeast Asia. The initiative has already successfully sequenced 13 endangered species, several of which are native to the broader Southeast Asian region, highlighting the technology’s relevance to local ecosystems:

● The Elongated Tortoise: A critically endangered reptile native to Southeast Asia, currently the focus of captive breeding and reintroduction efforts.
● The Hog Deer: Once plentiful across South and Southeast Asia, this species now faces serious decline and loss of genetic diversity.
● Eld’s Deer: An endangered deer species indigenous to the region that requires breeding and conservation plan to survive.

Expanding the Safety Net. In addition to the initial species, Google.org has awarded the AI for Science fund to The Rockefeller University to expand this work to 150 additional species. This expansion opens the door for more unique wildlife—potentially including species found in the Philippines—to benefit from genomic preservation.

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TECHNOLOGY

Infinix unveils XPAD Edge, its first 13.2-inch PC-level tablet redefining workplace productivity

12:01 p.m. February 2, 2026

Infinix today announced the launch of its first 13.2-inch ultra-slim productivity tablet, Infinix XPAD Edge. Featuring a 13.2-inch FHD+ (Full High Definition Plus) display, a sleek 6.19 mm metallic body, and a lightweight 588g design, XPAD Edge delivers the ideal balance of mobility and performance.With all-scenario 4G connectivity, the tablet redefines mobile productivity for modern creators, professionals, and learners.

Its detachable keyboard with touchpad transforms it into a true PC-level device, delivering a seamless workplace productivity experience, while combining cutting-edge technology and accessibility to give users greater freedom and efficiency everywhere.

Large Display, Ultra-Slim Design, and Productivity on the Go

Designed for today’s dynamic hybrid workforce, XPAD Edge enables users to work and learn efficiently anywhere. Measuring only 6.19mm thin and weighing 588g, it slips easily into a backpack or briefcase. Its 8000 mAh battery and all-scenario 4G connectivity provide lasting power and reliable access whether in a café, during travel, or at a remote worksite.

Furthermore, the expansive 13.2-inch 3:2 aspect-ratio display mirrors the proportions of a traditional PC screen, offering a broad workspace for documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.

With rich color reproduction and optimized contrast, every detail appears vivid and clear. Certified by TÜV Rheinland for low blue light and flicker-free performance, the XPAD Edge display filters up to 70% of harmful short-wave blue light and addresses the often-overlooked issue of screen flicker—helping to reduce eye fatigue during long working hours.

Inspired by the colors and light of the cosmos, the XPAD Edge is presented in the “Celestial Ink” colorway, refined metallic finish combines deep hues with a matte texture, blending technology with elegance in a minimalist design that suits both professional and personal settings.

PC-Level Experience for Smarter Workflows

Building on its ultra-slim design, XPAD Edge transforms mobile work into a truly PC-level experience. Designed as a versatile productivity hub, it brings together portability and power for efficient hybrid work and learning. Pre-installed WPS Office and an optimized task interface allow users to edit documents, manage files, and collaborate with ease. Whether preparing presentations, reviewing reports, or managing creative projects, XPAD Edge delivers a fast, intuitive, and professional workflow in every environment.

XPAD Edge supports split-screen, Parallel Windows, and multi-task drag-and-drop operations, maximizing the 13.2-inch large display for parallel applications. Within a single interface, users can browse data, take notes, and edit webpages effortlessly. 

For external productivity, XPAD Edge supports Wireless Second Screen for PC*, enabling content mirroring or extension for meetings, design work, or entertainment. Users can also connect keyboards, mice, and other peripherals for a smooth, desktop-like experience that enhances both comfort and control.

In addition, XPAD Edge pairs seamlessly with the X Keyboard 20 to provide a flexible and natural writing experience. The magnetic keyboard and stylus combine precision with comfort, allowing users to take notes, sketch, or edit content with accuracy. Whether working in a café, classroom, or creative studio, XPAD Edge enables users to enjoy the freedom and efficiency of a complete mobile office anywhere.

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