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TECHNOLOGY

You’ve Got Spam Mail: APAC accounts for a quarter of global malicious emails in 2022

September 7, 2022 2:05 p.m.

Spam mails have evolved since the first one was sent back in 1978. Its evolutions span from the techniques, tactics, and the latest trends cybercriminals piggyback on to make it more legitimate-looking and urgent-sounding – an effective formula to prey upon an unsuspecting user.

One of Kaspersky’s elite researchers, Noushin Shabab, probed into the spam threat landscape in Asia Pacific (APAC) this year to answer – what if emails do not get opened?

Shabab, presented in front of selected media from the region during Kaspersky’s 8th APAC Cyber Security Weekend, revealed that the region received 24% of the global malicious spam mails being detected and blocked by Kaspersky solutions. This means one in four junk electronic messages were delivered to computers in APAC.

Noushin Shabab, Senior Security Researcher for Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky  

Malicious spam is not a technologically complex attack, but when done with sophisticated social engineering techniques, it poses a severe threat to individuals and enterprises alike. These junk mails are sent out in mass quantities by spammers and cybercriminals who are looking to do one or more of the following:

  • Make money from the small percentage of recipients that actually respond to the message
  • Run phishing scams – in order to obtain passwords, credit card numbers, bank account details, and more
  • Spread malicious code onto recipients’ computers

In 2022, more than half (61.1%) of the malicious spam detected in the region targeted Kaspersky users from Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

Shabab cited three main factors which cause the bulk of spam emails targeting APAC —- its population, the high adoption of e-services, and the pandemic lockdowns.

The APAC region has almost 60% of the world’s population and this means that there are more potential victims for scammers here compared to other parts of the world. The extensive use of online services such as online shopping and other online platforms for day-to-day activities here also makes individuals more susceptible to falling victim to scams. There is also the lingering pandemic aftermath which led to lockdowns and work-from-home set up in the region where people took their work computers home. Home networks are usually less protected from cyberattacks.

“Since 2018, the number of malicious spam mails detected by our solutions has seen a gradual decline after its peak in 2019. This, however, does not equate to our mailboxes being cleaner and safer. Our constant monitoring of the current and new Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) operating in Asia Pacific showed that majority of these notorious threat actors use targeted phishing called spear phishing to crack into an organization’s systems,” reveals Noushin Shabab, Senior Security Researcher for Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky.

The most recent example of an APT targeting key entities in APAC through sophisticated malicious mails is the “Sidewinder” threat actor.  Since October 2021, the Sidewinder threat actor has been using new malicious JS code with recently created C2 server domains. The attacker, also known as Rattlesnake or T-APT4, targets victims with spear-phishing emails containing malicious RTF and OOXML files.

Known for targeting military, defense and law enforcement agencies, foreign affairs, IT, and aviation entities in Central and South Asia, Sidewinder is considered one of the most prolific threat actors monitored in the APAC region. Kaspersky experts also recently found spear phishing documents which appear to be aimed at future targets in Singapore.

Some of the main characteristics of this threat actor that make it stand out among the others are the sheer number, high frequency and persistence of their attacks, and the large collection of encrypted and obfuscated malicious components used in their operations. Kaspersky experts, who have been monitoring Sidewinder since 2012, have detected over a thousand spear phishing attacks by this APT actor since October 2020.

Sidewinder also continues to expand its victimology and to sharpen its phishing tactics.

For instance, to reduce the suspicion raised by some of their spear-phishing documents that had no text content, the group followed their first attempt to attack the victim – a spear-phishing email containing a malicious RTF exploit file – with another similar email, but in this case, the title of the malicious document was “_Apology Letter.docx”, and it contained some text explaining that the previous email was sent in error and that they are reaching out to apologize for that mistake.

“There are many more well-oiled APT groups like Sidewinder who are constantly upgrading their tools and tactics to target high-profile victims in APAC through believable spam and phishing emails. The implication for enterprises and government organizations here is that a single malicious email when clicked can crumble your most sophisticated defenses, and usually, APTs like Sidewinder just need one door to open, one machine to infect, and then it can hide and stay undetected for long,” Shabab adds.

APTs target any sensitive data; one doesn’t need to be a government agency, major financial institution, or energy company to become a victim.

The major danger of APT attacks is that even when they are discovered and the immediate threat appears to be gone, the hackers may have left multiple backdoors open that allow them to return when they choose. This increases the importance of guarding mailboxes – an entry point they usually exploit to get a foothold of an organization’s networks.

Employees across all ranks need to be aware of the threats, such as the possibility of bogus emails landing in their inboxes. Besides education, technology that focuses on email security is necessary.

To be able to search for potential spear-phishing signs without diminishing the company’s actual security, Kaspersky suggests private and public companies to install protective anti phishing solutions on mail servers as well as on employee workstations.

Enterprises should also utilize advanced security software that can detect sophisticated APT attacks.

For governments, Shabab suggests defining better spam regulations to curb spam risks. “Fewer spam emails from legitimate organizations means people are less used to receiving unexpected emails every day and are more vigilant when they are being targeted with malicious spear phishing emails,” she adds.

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TECHNOLOGY

Never miss a beat: Why you need a failsafe internet backup at home

6:02 p.m. June 7, 2025

Imagine you’re on an important work call while your kids are researching online for a school project when suddenly, the connection drops. Your co-workers’ video freezes, and you hear your kids complaining about the internet. At this point, there is nothing you can do but wait for the connection to be fixed. If you don’t want to be caught in this situation, having a reliable backup is a must. And if you need more reasons why your home needs an “always-on” connection, here are three big ones.

1. Keep Your Productivity on Track

Today, we rely on the internet for almost everything, including our livelihoods. If you work from home, you know that a stable internet connection is non-negotiable. You can’t afford to miss online meetings and important emails or be offline during work hours.

And it’s not just you. If your kids are still studying, they need a reliable connection to finish their schoolwork. We can’t have them scrambling for a hotspot, especially at night. A failsafe backup, like a secondary LTE connection, ensures that everyone stays online by kicking in automatically when your primary line fails. It may not be as fast as your primary connection, but it will keep you connected. This brings us to the second reason…

2. Stay Connected, Especially During Emergencies

We live in an era where being connected is more important than ever—especially during emergencies. Need to contact emergency services? Attending a Telehealth appointment soon? Checking in on a loved one at the hospital for updates? Noticing unusual behavior in your pet and need to research symptoms online? Away from home and want to check your security cameras?

A primary connection with a reliable backup ensures that you’re always online when it matters the most. No need to worry about internet outages when you need access to crucial information or services.

3. Keep the Fun Going

After a long day, you deserve to unwind without frustration. A failsafe setup means that even during an outage, your household can still stream movies, play games, or stay in touch with family and friends.

While productivity and connectivity are top priorities, uninterrupted entertainment ensures that you can relax with confidence. It’s not just about fun—it’s about knowing that your downtime won’t be derailed.

Stay Connected with PLDT Home Always On

A failsafe internet backup isn’t just about avoiding headaches—it’s about being ready for anything. PLDT Home Always On features a built-in backup LTE that activates automatically when Fiber service becomes unavailable due to unexpected fiber cuts. These could be caused by events like cable theft or damage from road digging, tree trimming, extreme weather, and even rodent chewing. It also comes with a new WiFi 6 modem that supports up to 1Gbps on Fiber and UNLI LTE. Plus, it automatically notifies the repair team and creates a service repair ticket for you after 15 minutes.

With this kind of system, you’re future-proofing your home for a more productive, connected, and stress-free life. Don’t wait for the next outage to realize how much you need it. Get PLDT Home Always On today and stay online when it matters most.

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TECHNOLOGY

Next generation of LG AI TVs is here

7:11 p.m. June 6, 2025

The next evolution in home entertainment is here. Continuing its 12-year legacy of OLED innovation, LG Electronics introduces its 2025 TV lineup, packed with powerful AI, immersive displays, and smart features designed to fit your lifestyle.

With next-level AI performance, intuitive controls, advanced display technology, and a refined user interface powered by enhanced processing, LG’s latest TVs deliver a major leap forward in performance, personalization, and everyday convenience.

Leading the Way in Display Technology: OLED evo and QNED evo

Marking 12 years of OLED excellence, LG continues to raise the bar in home entertainment with its 2025 OLED TV lineup. The latest LG OLED AI B5 delivers lifelike colors and richer hues for a more natural viewing experience, while the LG OLED evo AI C5 enhances brightness with its new Brightness Booster for clearer, more vibrant scenes. At the top of the range, the LG OLED evo AI G5 offers exceptional clarity and immersive visuals in a sleek, premium design—perfect for any modern space.

Pushing boundaries beyond OLED, the LG QNED evo AI impresses with Dynamic QNED Color that brings every scene to life. With a new 100” screen size option, ultra-slim design, and advanced color technology, LG’s QNED evo series redefines what’s possible for these TVs.

Smarter Performance with α-Series AI Processors

LG’s 2025 TVs are powered by the latest lineup of α-series AI processors: α11 AI Processor Gen2, α9 AI Processor Gen8, and α8 AI Processor Gen2, each designed to deliver a smarter, more immersive viewing experience. The α11 AI Processor Gen2 brings the most powerful performance for fast-paced content and premium entertainment. The α9 AI Processor Gen8 delivers incredibly clear and lifelike picture quality. The α8 AI Processor Gen2 ensures smooth and reliable everyday viewing.

With intelligent upscaling, adaptive sound, and content recommendations, LG’s AI processors help create a viewing experience that feels effortless, personal, and elevated.

A Viewing Experience Designed for You

LG’s 2025 OLED TV models learn and adapt to you. With a simple press of the AI button, the screen greets you with a personalized welcome and suggests relevant keywords based on your habits and environment. These TVs enable real-time learning, voice recognition, and accurate content recommendations that evolve over time.

The new Voice ID feature enhances personalization by instantly recognizing individual users without the need for manual profile switching. Just say, “Show me action movies,” and the TV curates content tailored to your viewing preferences. With support for user profiles, customizable Quick Cards, app prioritization, and the intuitive AI Concierge, LG’s 2025 lineup transforms the home screen into a smart, dynamic space that responds to your lifestyle.

Next-Level Picture and Sound, Powered by AI

Elevate your viewing experience with LG’s AI Picture Pro technology that maps each scene in three dimensions, fine-tuning contrast and detail for incredibly lifelike visuals. At the same time, LG’s AI Sound Pro adapts audio in real time, surrounding you with rich, immersive sound that makes every moment feel cinematic.

Remote Control, Reinvented for You

The AI Magic Remote, redesigned for your smart life, comes standard with the 2025 LG OLED lineup. The AI button has been moved front and center for easier access, replacing the previous mic button. Meanwhile, the new Home button replaces the usual Input button, providing quick access to the Home Hub for effortless management of all your connected devices.

Refreshed in design, the remote retains the familiar point, click, and scroll functions, making navigation simple and smooth. Engineered to unify your smart ecosystem, the AI Magic Remote streamlines control across all your devices.

Troubleshooting Made Easy

With LG’s built-in AI Chatbot, assistance is always at your fingertips. First introduced in 2024 and now even smarter, it can easily distinguish between content requests and technical issues. Just long-press the AI button and describe a problem such as “My TV turns on by itself,” and the system quickly scans relevant settings to provide real-time troubleshooting tips, making solutions effortless and quick.

LG’s latest OLED TVs don’t just innovate—they connect with you on a whole new level. With smart technology that adapts to your preferences, every moment at home becomes more immersive, intuitive, and truly yours. Designed to inspire optimism, these TVs help you appreciate the good in today while opening doors to tomorrow’s possibilities through meaningful, connected experiences, because life’s good when your TV feels like it knows you.

Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph/tv-soundbars/ and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.

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TECHNOLOGY

Equinix completes acquisition to bolster digital innovation in the Philippines

8:11 p.m. June 3, 2025

Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX), the world’s digital infrastructure company®, recently announced the completion of the acquisition of three data centers in Manila, the Philippines, from Total Information Management (“TIM”), a leading technology solutions provider.

In 2024, the Philippines’ digital economy reached US$45 billion (PhP 2.5 trillion), accounting for 8.5% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.[1] This encompasses a wide range of digital transactions, including digital-enabling infrastructure, e-commerce, and digital media/content. The growing digital population, advancements in cloud development, and government initiatives—such as the National Broadband Plan and the Digital Philippines Campaign—are also accelerating the nation’s demand for high-performance digital infrastructure and advanced technology like AI.

Equinix hosts more than 2,000 networks globally and has a nearly 40% market share of the on-ramps to the major cloud service providers in the markets in which it operates. These newly acquired data centers also host leading network service providers with four of the main internet exchanges (IXs) in Manila. This robust network ecosystem offers a wide array of connectivity options for businesses that have a presence in the Philippines. With strategic partnerships with AI industry leaders like NVIDIA and HPE, Equinix’s entry into the Philippines will empower local organizations to connect with more than 10,000 companies within Equinix’s extensive global ecosystems, addressing growing demands for digital infrastructure and fostering AI innovation within the nation.

ASEAN has emerged as a premier destination for global businesses, drawing unprecedented foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of US$230 billion in 2023, despite a 10% decline in global FDI.[2] With a robust data center network spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, Equinix’s facilities in the Philippines will provide global customers and partners the opportunity to build their digital infrastructure in this vibrant market and throughout the wider region.

Cyrus Adaggra, President, Asia-Pacific, Equinix, said: “This expansion is instrumental in fostering interconnection, enabling our customers and partners to scale seamlessly and securely within one of the region’s most dynamic digital economies. By broadening our footprint in the Southeast Asia region, we are not only expanding our digital platform but also supporting the development of cutting-edge AI services and technology, aligning with the governments’ digital ambitions. This move reaffirms our commitment to empowering Philippines with innovative, world-class infrastructure to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”

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