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TECHNOLOGY

Leveraging technology to improve diabetes care in PH

February 20, 2022 5:53 p.m.

THE Philippines is one of many Asian countries seeing an alarming rise of diabetes cases. Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and an increasing dependence on electronic gadgets are all significant factors contributing to the uptick . As its management can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding, diabetes has a profound impact not only on the lives of patients, but also their loved ones. 

According to estimates published by the International Diabetes Federation, about five million Filipinos live with diabetes . For adults between the ages of 20 to 79 years old, the prevalence rate for diabetes stands at about 6.3% . 

The challenges faced by Filipinos with Diabetes

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, diabetes is the 5th major cause of death in the country , and the situation for Filipinos with diabetes became even more complicated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a chronic condition, diabetes entails multimodal management that integrates medical nutritional therapy, exercise, pharmacologic therapy, close monitoring, and follow ups . However, quarantines, mobility restrictions, and the utilization of many healthcare resources to combat COVID-19 posed additional challenges to Filipinos with diabetes seeking treatment. 

Even before the pandemic, the ability to afford comprehensive treatment has hindered Filipinos with diabetes from using digital approaches to manage their conditions .

The everyday challenges in care that Filipinos living with diabetes face create a greater need for balanced, holistic, and accessible diabetes management solutions. 

Digital solutions ease the complexities of diabetes management

Technology’s role in healthcare has expanded exponentially over the past decades. The ability to store, share, and analyze health information is directly tied to improved technology.

These developments allow patients to see their glucose levels in real-time – simplifying the care process for both patients and caregivers . These trends have created new paths for remote patient management that can positively impact diabetes care.

These innovations in diabetes care also enable healthcare providers to see the patient’s insulin therapy, stress levels, medication, carbohydrate intake and more, allowing the development of patient-centric approaches to care .

Described as a collaborative effort between patients and healthcare providers, this approach can help lead to optimal clinical outcomes for patients living with diabetes . 

For diabetes patients, mobile health innovations such as the mySugr app simplify the complexities surrounding their conditions.

By leveraging insights, multi-device connectivity and analytics, the mySugr app empowers patients to make lifestyle changes geared towards optimal health outcomes .

Together with some colleagues, we conducted research presented at the 2021 International Diabetes Federation Congress that showed how utilization of mobile health apps such as mySugar led to notable progress in blood sugar control for Filipino and Asian living with diabetes after six months.

Moving forward with a holistic approach to diabetes care

As the pandemic continues, and even when we transition to an endemic phase, access to diabetes medications and treatment will continue to be a challenge for Filipino patients.

Filipinos living with diabetes must continue to be vigilant and pro-active in managing their conditions.

By incorporating a holistic approach to diabetes management that involves proper nutrition, exercise, and data management powered by digital technology, Filipinos living with diabetes can stay on top of potential concerns and efficiently manage their conditions through this uncertain time and beyond.

TECHNOLOGY

SEA 2023: Cybercriminals clog business networks with financial phishing

6:36 p.m. March 18, 2024

In 2023, Kaspersky anti-phishing technologies detected nearly 500,000 attempts to follow a phishing link on businesses’ devices in Southeast Asia (SEA). Interestingly, this number only refers to phishing links related to finance matters – e-commerce, banking, and payment systems.

Phishing persuades users to take action which gives a scammer access to your device, accounts, or personal information. By pretending to be a person or organization the users trust, they can more easily infect the victim with malware or steal their information.

These social engineering schemes “bait” with trust to get valuable information. This could be anything from a social media login, to your entire identity via your social security number. These schemes may urge the user to open an attachment, follow a link, fill out a form, or reply with personal information.

“Financial phishing” is a type of phishing which refers to fraudulent resources related to banking, payment systems and digital shops. Payment system phishing includes pages impersonating well-known payment brands.

From January to December last year, Kaspersky solutions detected and blocked a total of 455,708 financial phishing attempts targeting companies of various sizes in the region. The statistics reflect clicks on phishing links placed in various communication channels, including emails, fraudulent web sites, messengers, social media, etc. 

“Phishing is a trusted technique for cybercriminals when it comes to infiltrating business networks because they usually work. The rise of generative AI helps cybercriminals to make phishing messages or scam resources more convincing. As a result, it becomes challenging for people to distinguish between a scam and a legitimate communication. That’s why the role of robust security solutions increases,” comments Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky. 

The Philippines logged the highest number of financial phishing at 163,279 attempts in 2023, followed by Malaysia with 124,105. Indonesia chalked up 97,465 incidents while Vietnam experienced 36,130 phishing attacks related to financial matters. Thailand and Singapore registered the least number of this threat at 25,227 and 9,502 respectively.

“Cybercriminals employ various tactics, including financial-related phishing, to deceive employees and trick them into falling victim to an attack Our recent study showed employee security violations can be as damaging as external hacking for companies in Asia Pacific which means the human factor continues to play a role in making businesses vulnerable. Tools to help safeguard against human error are a vital step forward, but they can’t exclude employee education, skills development, and overall strengthening of the company’s ability to detect and respond to cyberattacks,” adds Yeo.

To help companies protect their systems against the damages of a successful phishing attack, Kaspersky experts recommend:

  • To advance decision-makers’ understanding of the importance of cybersecurity and how best to distribute budgets to stay ahead of threats, engage them with Kaspersky Interactive Protection Simulation for enhanced C-level professional education.
  • Consider experts’ help. For example, Kaspersky Assessments family of professional services identifies security gaps in your system’s configuration, and the Security Architecture Design helps create an IT security infrastructure that’s a perfect fit for a particular company. Every step of implementation is grounded in real security needs, giving decision-makers convincing arguments to allocate budgets.
  • Install and use enterprise security solutions with anti-phishing software: The Advanced Anomaly Control feature within Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business Advanced, Kaspersky Total Security for Business and Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response Optimum help prevent potentially dangerous activities that are ‘out of the norm’, both undertaken by the user and initiated by the attacker who has already seized control of the system.  
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TECHNOLOGY

Revolutionizing social networking: Rili, groundbreaking AI-powered platform

6:11 p.m. March 9, 2024

Rili.ai officially launches its AI-powered app to redefine how individuals connect, interact, create, and communicate in the digital age. Thanks to voice cloning and lip-syncing, anyone can create their own digital twin (Rili) and interact with anyone, anytime, and anywhere.

Users can cultivate their digital twin, training it with content in over 100 languages to break down communication barriers and foster worldwide friendships. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, gain insights and information from other individuals, or delve deeper into meaningful conversations with other users, Rili.ai is the app to do so effortlessly.

To train Rili, users can share knowledge and information through chat (written messages or voice audios) or by speaking into a microphone. Moreover, it is possible to integrate the digital print of anyone into Rili profiles with their existing accounts on platforms such as Twitch, X, and YouTube. Leveraging this integration, Rili.ai gathers personalized information from users’ public profiles on these platforms, ensuring a tailored experience based on their interests and preferences.

Features for Enhanced Social Engagement

The app offers various features designed to enhance users’ digital interactions. The explore feature allows users to effortlessly search for their favorite Rili users and discover others who share similar interests and preferences, fostering meaningful connections in a virtual community. With profile customization, users can tailor their Rili to reflect their unique personality and interests. The chat functionality allows users to initiate conversations with other “Rilis” and review their past chats, promoting seamless interaction and boosting engagement. Other features include creating favorite Rili lists, scoring conversations, adding likes to conversations or phrases, and sharing messages with anyone through different channels.

Through Rili, users have the unique ability to deeply connect with others, gaining valuable insights and understanding into their perspectives, experiences, and expertise. Rili.ai facilitates meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries and time constraints. With its advanced capabilities, Rili.ai offers an app for preserving digital heritage, allowing users to capture and preserve their memories, stories, and experiences for future generations.

“Rili is the new generation of social media platforms. Powered by AI and using the most relevant state-of-the-art technologies, its development will be a turning point for the history of communication. The creation of digital twins will give the opportunity to the society to expand their knowledge, connections and share of voice beyond boundaries”, highlighted Antonio Camacho, Rili Co-founder. “Rili’s mission is to fight against isolation, allowing people to connect with others you would not be able to reach”.  

Join Rili’s white list

The Rili alpha version is already live for anyone interested in joining the community. You can sign up for the white list and will be notified once you have access to create your own Rili. The app is available for iOS and Android.

Revolutionizing Social Networking: Introducing Rili, the Groundbreaking AI-Powered Platform for Sharing and Expanding Your Legacy

Rili.ai officially launches its AI-powered app to redefine how individuals connect, interact, create, and communicate in the digital age. Thanks to voice cloning and lip-syncing, anyone can create their own digital twin (Rili) and interact with anyone, anytime, and anywhere.

Users can cultivate their digital twin, training it with content in over 100 languages to break down communication barriers and foster worldwide friendships. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, gain insights and information from other individuals, or delve deeper into meaningful conversations with other users, Rili.ai is the app to do so effortlessly.

To train Rili, users can share knowledge and information through chat (written messages or voice audios) or by speaking into a microphone. Moreover, it is possible to integrate the digital print of anyone into Rili profiles with their existing accounts on platforms such as Twitch, X, and YouTube. Leveraging this integration, Rili.ai gathers personalized information from users’ public profiles on these platforms, ensuring a tailored experience based on their interests and preferences.

Features for Enhanced Social Engagement

The app offers various features designed to enhance users’ digital interactions. The explore feature allows users to effortlessly search for their favorite Rili users and discover others who share similar interests and preferences, fostering meaningful connections in a virtual community. With profile customization, users can tailor their Rili to reflect their unique personality and interests. The chat functionality allows users to initiate conversations with other “Rilis” and review their past chats, promoting seamless interaction and boosting engagement. Other features include creating favorite Rili lists, scoring conversations, adding likes to conversations or phrases, and sharing messages with anyone through different channels.

Through Rili, users have the unique ability to deeply connect with others, gaining valuable insights and understanding into their perspectives, experiences, and expertise. Rili.ai facilitates meaningful connections that transcend geographical boundaries and time constraints. With its advanced capabilities, Rili.ai offers an app for preserving digital heritage, allowing users to capture and preserve their memories, stories, and experiences for future generations.

“Rili is the new generation of social media platforms. Powered by AI and using the most relevant state-of-the-art technologies, its development will be a turning point for the history of communication. The creation of digital twins will give the opportunity to the society to expand their knowledge, connections and share of voice beyond boundaries”, highlighted Antonio Camacho, Rili Co-founder. “Rili’s mission is to fight against isolation, allowing people to connect with others you would not be able to reach”.  

Join Rili’s white list

The Rili alpha version is already live for anyone interested in joining the community. You can sign up for the white list and will be notified once you have access to create your own Rili. The app is available for iOS and Android.

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TECHNOLOGY

The lightest smartphone with massive 6000mAh battery HONOR X7b coming to PH on March 9

4:34 p.m. March 7, 2024

HONOR Philippines never stops! After the successful launches of HONOR X9b 5G, HONOR Magic V2, and HONOR X8b, the leading global smart devices provider is expected to launch the HONOR X7b in the Philippines on March 9!  

“We, at HONOR, believe that technology is very inclusive, there is technology that caters to even the most unique requirement there is. We had HONOR X9b 5G that is ultra tough that can withstand harsh drops. HONOR X8b was recently introduced with a massive storage and great camera quality for those who value design and photography. Now, we are welcoming a new addition to our X Series, the HONOR X7b,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng. 

Welcoming the HONOR X7b 

HONOR X7b is the latest addition to HONOR’s X Series line-up, offering consumers a reliable, well-rounded device available to consumers at an affordable price. Delivering upgrades in hardware performance, battery performance, and photography capabilities, the new device promises an exceptional, uninterrupted user experience. 

Equipped with a 6,000mAh ultra-large battery, the HONOR X7b delivers the best battery life among all HONOR X Series smartphones to date. It can support various activities for up to 3 days  on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for users on the go. Thanks to HONOR’s innovative battery technologies, the HONOR X7b is the thinnest and lightest smartphone with a 6000mAh battery. The device’s battery maintains over 80% of its health even after three years of usage, ensuring exceptional longevity and reducing the need for constant recharging. 

The HONOR X7b boasts a 108MP Main Camera  with a 1/1.67-inch sensor. To enable the camera to capture bright and vivid shots even in challenging low-light conditions, the HONOR X7b supports 9-in-1 pixel binning, achieving a pixel  size measuring 1.92µm that ensures night colors are faithfully reproduced in images. 

For more information and announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop)

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