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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

Shell empowers Filipino SMEs thru award-winning Fleet App

5:09 p.m. July 8, 2025

Shell Pilipinas Corporation is empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country through the Shell Fleet App (SFA), a first-of-its-kind mobile solution that streamlines fleet and fuel management in a secure and paperless way.

Launched in 2022, the app allows business owners to manage their Shell Fleet Card, control fuel spend, track driver activity, and access real-time reports, all in one platform. By simplifying traditional processes and eliminating paperwork and manual tracking, SFA gives SMEs the ability to operate with greater ease, visibility, and efficiency.

A Digital Response to a Growing SME Sector

With SMEs comprising 99.5% of registered businesses in the Philippines, Shell saw a critical need for tools tailored to their daily challenges. The app condenses the typical fleet card application process into just five minutes and has already contributed to a tenfold increase in SME customer acquisitions. According to Deepti Behl, Global Head of SMEs GM of Digital Products & Marketing at Shell Fleet Solutions, the app helps owners reclaim their time and streamline operations. “We designed the app to empower SME owners to manage their fleets anytime, anywhere. It reduces admin work, offers peace of mind, and enables entrepreneurs to focus on growth.”

Transforming Daily Operations

From automotive to retail and construction, Shell Fleet App users from various sectors have reported positive results. Business owners describe smoother daily operations, real-time visibility of fuel spend, and faster driver and expense management, all while on the go. Their testimonials reinforce SFA as not just a convenience but a business enabler.

With its core benefits, the app is purpose-built for Filipino SMEs. Whether it’s tracking fuel usage in real time, enabling seamless automated payments, or offering savings for the purchase of Shell lubricants, the app provides everyday value while helping ease cash flow pressures for small business owners.

Recognized Across Asia for Innovation

The Shell Fleet App’s breakthrough approach has earned multiple regional and international recognitions. Most recently, it won its third award, the Stevie Award at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, further cementing its status as a world-class solution for small and medium enterprises. The app was also previously named Digital Transformation Initiative of the Year for the Philippines at the 2024 Asian Oil & Gas Awards and received the User Experience of the Year for Energy at the 2022 Asian Experience Awards. These accolades highlight Shell’s commitment to digital innovation that directly improves the way businesses operate.

A Future-Focused Commitment

Shell Pilipinas remains focused on developing tech-driven tools that help Filipino entrepreneurs grow and thrive. With regular updates informed by user feedback, the Shell Fleet App continues to evolve, shaping the future of fuel and fleet management for SMEs nationwide.

The Shell Fleet App is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. SMEs can get started in minutes by downloading the app, signing up, and instantly unlocking access to Shell Fleet Card benefits. For more information, customers may visit the Shell Fleet Card for Small Business website or call the Shell Customer Service Hotline at +632 8878 8811.

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TECHNOLOGY

Canva breaks ground as first design connector for OpenAI’s ChatGPT

3:22 p.m. July 6, 2025

In a landmark leap for AI-powered creativity, Canva has become the first design platform to deeply embed its creative suite into the world’s most advanced AI tools, including ChatGPT.

Two major launches – the deep research connector with ChatGPT and the Canva Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server – turn Canva into a powerful AI platform that plugs seamlessly into AI assistants and agents to securely access your designs and generate new ones, all within the same conversation.

As businesses and creators increasingly adopt AI-first workflows, Canva is pioneering a new era of AI-native design. Whether analyzing a marketing campaign, drafting a business plan, or generating social content, you can now brainstorm, design, and publish without leaving your AI assistant, unlocking new levels of creativity and speed.

By bringing Canva’s creative power directly into AI assistants, Canva is redefining how its 240 million users, including 95% of Fortune 500 companies, design, collaborate, and communicate, streamlining the entire content journey from concept to completion.

“AI agents and assistants have become indispensable creative partners, yet current workflows require users to manually add context or references, creating complexity,” said Anwar Haneef, GM and Head of Ecosystem at Canva. “We’re embedding Canva directly into the AI tools people use every day so they can brainstorm, create, and publish content faster. This is a major step in our vision to make the complex simple and build an all-in-one AI workflow that’s secure and accessible to all.”

Your Canva designs, accessible in ChatGPT
Canva’s deep research connector with ChatGPT will now connect users’ designs directly to OpenAI’s most advanced model, enabling specific, thoughtful, and context-rich responses grounded in your past work. Without needing to switch between tabs or dig for information, users can simply prompt ChatGPT to analyze or refine content across Canva Docs, Presentations, and more. With instant access to your design history, this integration removes friction and makes cross-platform creation and collaboration effortless.

Privacy and security are built in from the ground up. Every interaction is protected by Canva Shield, the company’s comprehensive AI trust and safety framework.

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TECHNOLOGY

Acer maintains No. 1 personal computer market share in Philippines

12:11 p.m. July 5, 2025

Acer secured the top position in the Philippine personal computer market in Q1 2025, with a 35.7% total market share, a 34.2% share in consumer notebooks, and an impressive 40.6% share in gaming laptops, according to market research firm GfK.

Acer also delivered a strong performance in April, with its notebook segment reaching a 36% market share, further cementing its dominance. 

Acer’s success can be credited to a multi-faceted marketing approach, including strategic partnerships with brand ambassadors. This method has proven very effective in expanding Acer’s nationwide reach and strengthening its local branding efforts.

A prime example is Acer’s partnership with the “Kings of P-pop,” SB19. This collaboration has been key in maintaining Acer’s relevance to its customer base, especially among the younger demographic. The partnership between Acer and SB19 began before their official ambassadorship for Acer Day and endorsement with Acer and Acerpure in 2021.

“Our partnership with SB19 works because we share the same values and energy. Also, the group’s strong social media presence and its ability to create engaging content have allowed us to reach and connect with our customers,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director at Acer Philippines.

Recently, Acer co-presented SB19’s “Simula at Wakas” world tour stop in Taiwan, further strengthening the brand’s connection with SB19’s fans. SB19 also visited Acer’s Taipei headquarters as “one-day employees” to experience the brand’s innovations firsthand. 

Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen, along with Pan-Asia Pacific President Andrew Hou, personally met with the group and gifted each member a Predator Helios 18 gaming laptop.

During the group’s visit to Taiwan, SB19 visited Acer’s product experience center. They also tried the latest gaming laptops and the FreeSense Ring smart wearable developed by Acer Fashion. They participated in a design workshop to brainstorm ideas for laptop aesthetics and compact home appliances.  As the partnership marks its fifth year, Acer and SB19 look forward to more fruitful and productive years together.

For more information about Acer, follow Acer Philippines on its social media platforms: @AcerPH on Facebook, @acerph on Instagram, and @acerphils on Twitter, or go to www.acer.com. 

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