TECHNOLOGY
The next WannaCry and drone hacking: Advanced persistent threats in 2023
November 16, 2022 1:14 p.m.
Kaspersky researchers presented their vision of the future for advanced persistent threats (APTs), defining the changes in the threat landscape that will emerge in 2023. Attacks on satellite technologies, mail servers, the rise of destructive attacks and leaks, drone hacking and the next big cyber epidemic are among some of the predictions for the next year.
The political turmoil of 2022 brought about a shift that will echo in cybersecurity for years to come and have a direct effect on the development of future sophisticated attacks. The 2023 forecast is based on the expertise and the activities the Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) has witnessed this year while tracking more than 900 APT groups and campaigns.
The next WannaCry and drones for proximity hacking
Statistically, some of the largest and most impactful cyber epidemics occur every six to seven years. The last such incident was the infamous WannaCry ransomware-worm, leveraging the extremely potent EternalBlue vulnerability to automatically spread to vulnerable machines. Kaspersky researchers believe the likelihood of the next WannaCry happening in 2023 is high.
One potential reason for an event like this occurring is that the most sophisticated threat actors in the world are likely to possess at least one suitable exploit, and current global tensions greatly increase the chance a ShadowBrokers-style hack-and-leak could take place.
Major shifts will be reflected in new types of targets and attack scenarios too, as experts believe next year, we may see bold attackers and specialists adept at mixing physical-and cyber-intrusions, employing drones for proximity hacking.
Some of the possible attack scenarios include mounting drones with sufficient tooling that would allow the collection of WPA handshakes used for offline cracking of WiFi passwords or even dropping malicious USB keys in restricted areas in the hope that a passer-by would pick them up and plug them into a machine.
Other advanced threat predictions for 2023 include:
- SIGINT-delivered malware
One of the most potent attack vectors imaginable, which uses servers in key positions of the internet backbone allowing man-on-the-side attacks, may come back stronger next year. While these attacks are extremely hard to spot, Kaspersky researchers believe they will become more widespread and will lead to more discoveries.
- The rise of destructive attacks
Given the current political climate, Kaspersky experts foresee a record number of disruptive and destructive cyber-attacks, affecting both the government sector and key industries. It is likely that a proportion of them will not be easily traceable to cyber incidents and will look like random accidents. The rest will take the form of pseudo-ransomware attacks or hacktivist operations to provide plausible deniability for their real authors. High-profile cyber attacks against civilian infrastructures, such as energy grids or public broadcasting, may also become targets, as well as underwater cables and fiber distribution hubs, which are challenging to defend.
- Mail servers become priority targets
Mail servers harbor key intelligence so are of interest to APT actors and have the biggest attack surface imaginable. The market leaders of this type of software have already faced exploitation of critical vulnerabilities, and 2023 will be the year of 0days for all major email programs.
- APT targeting turns toward satellite technologies, producers, and operators
With existing capabilities, evidence of APTs being capable of attacking satellites -with the Viasat incident as an example- it is likely that APT threat actors will increasingly turn their attention to the manipulation of, and interference with, satellite technologies in the future – making the security of these technologies ever more important.
- Hack-and-leak is the new black (and bleak)
The new form of hybrid conflict that unrolled in 2022 involved a large number of hack-and-leak operations. These will persist in the coming year with APT actors leaking data about competing threat groups or disseminating information.
- More APT groups will move from CobaltStrike to other alternatives
CobaltStrike, a red-teaming tool, has become a tool of choice for APT actors and cybercriminal groups alike. With it gaining so much attention from the defenders, it is likely that attackers will switch to new alternatives such as Brute Ratel C4, Silver, Manjusaka or Ninja, all offering new capabilities and more advanced evasion techniques.
“It is quite clear 2022 saw major changes to the world’s geopolitical order and ushers in a new era of instability. A portion of our predictions focus on how this instability will translate into nefarious cyber activities, while others reflect our vision of which new attack vectors will be explored by attackers. Better preparation means better resilience and we hope our assessment of the future will enable defenders to strengthen their systems and repel cyberattacks more effectively,” says Ivan Kwiatkowski, senior security researcher at Kaspersky.
The APT predictions have been developed thanks to Kaspersky’s threat intelligence services used around the world. Read the full report on Securelist.
These predictions are a part of Kaspersky Security Bulletin (KSB) – an annual predictions series and analytical articles on key changes in the world of cybersecurity. Click here to look at other KSB pieces.
To look back at what the Kaspersky experts expected to see in the advanced targeted threats landscape in 2022, please read our previous yearly report.
TECHNOLOGY
From raffle to reality: Infinix GGWP winners get their gold
1:05 p.m. January 31, 2026
Infinix officially wrapped up its highly anticipated gaming-themed promo, Infinix GGWP: Get Gold With Phones, with a special awarding program held on January 23, 2026 at the Infinix Concept Store, SM North EDSA, where winners received their prizes alongside Infinix representatives.
The campaign’s grand finale was first marked by a live raffle draw on January 12, 2026, streamed on the brand’s official TikTok page, @infinixphilippines, announcing 50 lucky customers as the campaign’s champions.
The multi-week promotion rewarded Infinix customers with a rare and premium collectible: the Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coin, created in collaboration with the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL), one of the most influential esports leagues in the country. Each gold coin symbolizes achievement and victory, and is carefully packaged in a premium box with an official certificate of authenticity to ensure its collectible value.
Eligible participants included customers who purchased any Infinix NOTE 50 Series or GT 30 Series smartphone from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with each purchase automatically granting one raffle entry for a chance to win. Valued at approximately PHP 40,000, the gold coin serves as both a trophy and a testament to Infinix’s dedication to gaming culture and its growing community of mobile gamers.
The winners were later celebrated in an exclusive awarding program where they received their gold coins in person, alongside Infinix representatives who congratulated them on their victory. Jelly Buan, Infinix Marketing Manager, shared, “We are thrilled to celebrate our customers’ passion for gaming with the Infinix GGWP campaign. This awarding program allows us to personally thank our community and reward their loyalty in a way that is meaningful and memorable.”
Winners also expressed their excitement during the awarding, sharing their personal experiences and heartfelt appreciation for the prize.
For Marivic Alfonso, who purchased the NOTE 50 Series, the news of her win was nothing short of overwhelming. She recalled how her children were the first to deliver the surprise.
“I jumped for joy and cried when I found out from my kids that I was a winner,” she shared, still visibly emotional during the ceremony. Holding her Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coin, she added, “I’d like to thank Infinix for this. This will really help my children in their studies when the time comes.”
Christine Salaza, another NOTE 50 Series buyer, also had a story rooted in family and gratitude. She revealed that the phone she purchased was actually a thoughtful gift from her closest friend.
“I got the NOTE 50 as a gift from my best friend,” she said with a smile. Expressing what the win meant to her, Christine added, “Thank you Infinix, I can use this to help my parents.”
Meanwhile, first-time raffle winner Jennelyn Montecalvo, who bought the GT 30 Series, described how her partner’s love for gaming and Mobile Legends first drew her to the brand.
“Actually, my partner is really a fan of Infinix cause he likes to play MLBB, so he told me when he comes back from overseas he’ll really buy an Infinix phone,” she shared. Winning the gold coin was a moment she never expected. “Thank you so much Infinix, not only do I have a phone, but I also got a gold coin. And it’s my first time winning a raffle so I’m really grateful.”
For Edward Tan, who purchased four phones for himself and his family across the NOTE 50 and GT 30 Series, the GGWP campaign reaffirmed his trust in the brand’s promise of value and performance.
“Infinix Philippines continues to deliver high-quality smartphones at an affordable price,” Edward said. “Compared to the more expensive devices I used to buy, which often didn’t feel worth the cost, Infinix gives me exactly the performance and reliability I need without stretching my budget.”
The awarding ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd, highlighting the excitement and joy of the winners as they received their Infinix x MPL Mythic Gold Coins. Events like this allow Infinix to connect personally with its community, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the mobile gaming space while blending technology, entertainment, and culture to reward customer loyalty in meaningful and memorable ways.
For the latest updates on Infinix promotions, product launches, and community events, follow @infinixphilippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
TECHNOLOGY
HONOR X9d 5G smashes 1st-day sales, up 160% over HONOR X9c 5G
8:59 p.m. January 29, 2026
Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines had a fantastic start to the year with the launch of its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G. The brand kicked things off on January 1 with its viral drop tests, followed by the star-studded HONOR X9d 5G vs. Tesla Cybertruck experiential event, culminating in its grand launch at the Grand Hyatt. On January 24, the HONOR X9d 5G officially hit stores nationwide with a record-breaking first-day sales performance, posting a 160% increase compared to its predecessor, the HONOR X9c 5G.
“On behalf of HONOR Philippines, I thank our loyal HONOR fans, partners, and media friends for the overwhelming support for the HONOR X9d 5G. This success would not have been possible without your trust and belief in us. We are truly grateful, and we promise to continue bringing you tougher, smarter, and more exciting innovations,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
Celebrating HONOR X9d 5G
Positioned as the most durable smartphone in the market, the latest HONOR X9d 5G showcases all-around drop, water, and dust resistance, ensuring it can withstand drops from heights of up to 2.5 meters onto certain surfaces. Reinforced by HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology, Non-Newtonian fluid, and new ultra-tough deep-tempered glass, the device is safeguarded against 10 more types of stone-ground impact and even air-gun shooting.
On January 24, a grand fan fest was held at SM Megamall Fashion Hall, bringing together OPM icons Sponge Cola, HORI7ON, Fitterkarma, Shanne Dandan, Figvres, and Pommelo. To the delight of pre-order buyers, HONOR gave away exclusive collaboration shirts with Linya-Linya, along with other exciting prizes throughout the day.
HONOR X9d 5G is now available nationwide!
Coming in three exciting colors, Reddish Brown, Midnight Black, and Sunrise Gold, HONOR X9d 5G if priced at Php 18,999 with FREE HONOR Gift Box and Jisulife Life Fan5. Head to any HONOR Experience or Partner Store, or shop online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9d_PR), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9d_Media), or TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9d_Media).
With Home Credit, you can get the HONOR X9d 5G for as low as Php 24 per day with an additional Php 1,000 discount, payable for up to 18 months. The promo runs until February 15, 2026. Apply here: https://bit.ly/HomeCredit_X9d_FB.
For more exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.
TECHNOLOGY
DigiPlus earns first ASEAN Golden Arrow Award for corporate governance excellence
10:10 p.m. October 24, 2025
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the country’s digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, achieved a major milestone in corporate governance excellence by earning its first-ever Golden Arrow Award.
The recognition was conferred on Oct. 23, 2025, during the awarding ceremony organized by the institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), the Philippines’ Domestic Ranking Body (DRB) for the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).
DigiPlus received a 2-Golden Arrow Award, one of the five levels of distinction granted to publicly listed companies that demonstrate outstanding corporate governance performance.
The Golden Arrow Recognition is among the Philippines’ most prestigious corporate honors, recognizing companies that lead in transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Anchored on the ACGS framework, it evaluates how effectively organizations uphold shareholder rights, engage stakeholders, promote sustainability, ensure transparency, and maintain strong board oversight in alignment with both local and international governance standards.
“Earning our first Golden Arrow affirms DigiPlus’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco. “We are proud to be recognized among the country’s most trusted, publicly-listed companies and remain focused on creating a long-term value for our shareholders, stakeholders, and the customers and the communities we serve by leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity.”
The Architect of the Blue Hour
From raffle to reality: Infinix GGWP winners get their gold
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