NEWS
Top 3 things Filipinos do after falling victim to a digital scam or fraud
February 16, 2022 12:38 p.m.
Experts always advise that if one realizes becoming a victim of an online financial scam or fraud, the first thing to do is to call the bank or service company that the money was sent through.
Notifying the proper institutions promptly is crucial to hopefully get the funds back, avoid further losses and protect oneself from repeat incidents.
In a survey commissioned by Kaspersky on digital payment systems among Southeast Asian users, Filipino respondents showed certain preferences in such a situation.
For 65% of those who participated in the survey, they said changing the passwords on their bank/digital wallet accounts and apps were top of the list.
On the other hand, half (51%) of surveyed Filipino victims of online scammers and fraudsters admitted that informing their family and friends of what happened was what they did before anything else.
Meanwhile, 43% said contacting their bank or financial service company to report the incident was their immediate course of action.
In a country where cash is still king, the recurrent lockdown measures have prompted Filipinos to rely on mobile payment apps and digital wallets for their daily financial transactions.
In the same survey, 54% of Filipino respondents appear to be somewhat confident that electronic banking and e-wallet platforms are very secure that they use these services at least several times a week.
According to local survey participants, they choose digital payments to transfer money to family and friends, pay for utilities, and shop online, in that order.
“We can glean from this data that Filipinos draw strength from their family during a crisis particularly where there’s potential loss of money. This may explain why they make calls to their families and friends before anything else rather than swiftly report their circumstance to the proper authorities,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.
“Unfortunately, the likelihood of failing to claim the funds back plus a heightened emotional stress would be higher in this scenario because of the delay in seeking help from financial institutions,” he cautions.
“This is where prevention is essential. The detection of a scam or fraud early on in the transaction means less headache for you and your family and your hard-earned money stays intact,” Yeo adds.
Apart from using a strong password, enabling all security features of the device and apps, and keeping an eye on red flags, Yeo said practicing good cyber hygiene includes considering dependable software protection even before an unfortunate event takes place and not after encountering an incident.
Kaspersky Total Security (KTS) is among the solutions available in the market today. This is Kaspersky’s premium product that offers a complete, family-oriented defense against cyberthreats.
KTS is bundled with a virtual private network (VPN) so you are assured that your online actions are not logged and hackers are prevented from reading your emails, photos and bank details. It has a Password Manager that generates strong passwords for you and will help you track multiple passwords which are all secured in a private vault, away from the prying eyes of cybercriminals.
The Safe Money feature of KTS is exactly what regular users of financial services would find beneficial as it protects one’s money, identity and privacy.
With a KTS installed in a device, payments are made via an encrypted browser so that financial data is not intercepted by hackers while you shop and bank online. It also comes with an extra security feature for locking Android apps and locating Android mobile devices.
It has an Anti-Hacking capability that prevents unauthorized access and hijacking of your Android device and suspicious activities are blocked instantly. It has a Malicious Link Detector that analyzes links on webpages you open and alerts you of the malicious web address based on their threat level. The advanced Anti-Malware feature of KTS neutralizes threats including spyware, adware, keyloggers, spear phishing and hard-to-detect fileless attacks.
Kaspersky Total Security is compatible with PC and Mac computers as well as iOS and Android devices. It retails for P1,390 for a one-year license for one device. KTS is currently available in all leading IT stores nationwide, including Lazada and Shopee.
Vaccinated customers can also enjoy GCash or PayMaya credits for every purchase of Kaspersky Total Security. All they need to do is to present their vaccination card to participating stores. Full promo mechanics are available here.
Promo runs from February 15 to March 15, 2022.
NEWS
TikTok enhances safety, transparency for Filipino community with new initiatives
7:01 p.m. July 16, 2023
TikTok, the world’s leading short-form video platform, is taking further steps to ensure a safer and more transparent platform for its Filipino community. In response to the evolving digital landscape and the rise of AI-generated content (AIGC), these initiatives are designed to maintain a secure environment, uphold community guidelines, and ensure users can trust the content they encounter on the platform.
Strengthening Community Guidelines Enforcement
As part of its ongoing efforts to safeguard its community, TikTok recently published its Q1 2024 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report. During this period from January 1 to March 31, 2024, TikTok removed 4.26 million videos in the Philippines for violations of its Community Guidelines. Of these, 99.7% were removed proactively, and 95% were taken down within 24 hours.
To further enhance transparency, TikTok updated its Community Guidelines in April to provide clearer rules and introduce new features that help creators understand and comply with policies. Available in English and Filipino, these guidelines include detailed definitions and outline moderation practices for features like Search, LIVE, and the For You feed, ensuring policies are clear and accessible to all users.
Advancing AI-Generated Content Transparency
In response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated content, TikTok has implemented new measures for transparency. Since May, TikTok has automatically labeled AI-generated content uploaded from specific platforms. This initiative is part of a collaboration with MediaWise, a program of the Poynter Institute, and the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), making TikTok the first video-sharing platform to adopt C2PA’s Content Credentials technology. These labels aim to provide users with clear context about the nature of the content they consume.
Educating the Community with Media Literacy Tools
To support its community in navigating AI-generated content and combating misinformation, TikTok is launching new media literacy resources. Developed in collaboration with experts, these resources are integral to TikTok’s broader strategy to enhance user understanding and foster a more informed community. As part of this initiative, TikTok has partnered with MediaWise to release 12 educational videos throughout the year. These videos aim to teach universal media literacy skills and explain how TikTok’s AI-generated content labels can help contextualize content. This partnership underscores TikTok’s commitment to educating its community and fostering a more informed user base.
Expanding AIGC Labeling Through Partnerships
Building on its efforts to ensure content transparency, TikTok has extended its auto-labeling capabilities for AI-generated content created on other platforms. By integrating the ability to read Content Credentials from C2PA, TikTok automatically recognizes and labels AI-generated content, with plans to expand this to audio-only content soon.
In the coming months, TikTok plans to attach Content Credentials to its content, ensuring transparency even when content is downloaded, allowing users to utilize C2PA’s Verify tool to identify AI-generated content and understand its creation details.
Driving Industry-Wide Adoption
In its mission to promote industry-wide adoption of Content Credentials, TikTok has joined the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). As the first video-sharing platform to implement Content Credentials, TikTok is at the forefront of encouraging transparent content practices across the industry. The gradual increase in auto-labeled AI-generated content on TikTok is expected to grow as more platforms adopt this technology, fostering a more transparent digital landscape.
For You Feed and Creator Code of Conduct
To further enhance safety, TikTok has introduced new standards that will temporarily restrict accounts that repeatedly violate content standards. These accounts and their content will be harder to find in search, with creators being notified and given the option to appeal.
Additionally, TikTok published a Creator Code of Conduct outlining the standards expected from creators involved in TikTok programs, features, events, and campaigns. This code reinforces TikTok’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive platform.
Through these measures, TikTok continues to focus on helping its community, especially creators, understand its rules and enforcement methods to ensure a safer experience for its users. By embracing continuous innovation and collaboration, TikTok strives to create a secure and inclusive space for creativity and connection.
NEWS
SM Prime, DTI empower MSMEs with 83 SM mall spaces, training, mentorship
9:15 p.m. July 12, 2024
Good news for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)! SM Prime Holdings (SM Prime) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) solidified a partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on July 1 at the SM Prime Headquarters.
This collaboration empowers MSMEs with prime mall space in 83 SM Malls nationwide, aligning with the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines program. Besides providing space, SM Prime offers MSMEs discounted booth rentals, training programs on product development, marketing, financial management, and mentorship opportunities with experienced business leaders.
NEWS
DTI National Food Fair celebrates local flavors at SM Megamall
8:26 p.m. July 11, 2024
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully concluded the 10th National Food Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 1-3, held from July 3-7, 2024. This premier event showcased the rich flavors of the Philippines and empowered over 200 Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
Food enthusiasts enjoyed a bounty of fresh produce, regional specialties, and delectable treats from all corners of the country. Attendees had the opportunity to stock up on pantry staples, explore health-conscious options, and discover unique ingredients to elevate their cooking skills.
(L-R): Megatrade Hall’s Maite Quiogue, SM Supermalls’ Assistant Vice President for Operations Royston Cabunag, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, SM Megamall Assistant Vice President for Operations Christian Mathay, SM Supermalls’ Vice President for Corporate Marketing Grace Magno, DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan, and SM Megamall Assistant Mall Manager Isabella Manjon
(L-R): Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSME) Development Group Cristina Roque, Guest of Honor Winnie Chua-Go, and DTI-Bureau of Market Development, Promotions, and One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Director Marievic Bonoan
The 2024 Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair brings together the best food and flavors from all 16 regions.
Fresh pomelos and other local fruits take center stage at the National Food Fair in Megatrade Hall.
A potential buyer gets ready to take home bottled Bicol Express and Laing at the 10th National Food Fair in SM Megamall.
Crispy, salty, and packed with nutrients —these water spinach chips are the perfect healthy snack.
Bottled honey and baked fruit crisps, all made with local ingredients.
Davao del Sur and Misamis Oriental’s chocolate products are crafted from premium cacao beans.
Quality golden salted eggs from Rizal.
A variety of coconut products from San Pablo, Laguna.
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TikTok enhances safety, transparency for Filipino community with new initiatives
