Globe Telecom Inc. blocked a total of 142,575 smishing messages in February and March this year as its proactive filter system detected the unwanted messages linked to fraud in its network.
The company continues to strengthen its security tools and platforms to increase detection and blocking capabilities against illegal SMS and web blaster devices.
Reporting channels and processes have also been enabled for Globe employees, customers, and partners to immediately capture and share information or concerns about fraud and scams.
“Smishing occurs mainly through mobile text messaging," says Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer.
"Scammers attempt to mislead victims into giving away their personal data which are then used to take over a victim’s financial accounts,” he explained.
Globe is working with the government and industry stakeholders, particularly on threat intelligence sharing initiatives, as well as on awareness campaigns via SMS, website and social media channels to regularly update the public about spams and scams.
In March this year, Globe presented a framework of cooperation that aims to establish sharing of data and intelligence between Globe and Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP)member-banks for fraud detection and prevention.
The first Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Globe and Unionbank last March 25, 2022.
Globe has made Internet safety and cybersecurity programs a key focus over the past few years.
In 2021, the company blocked a total of 1.15 billion scam and spam messages, around 7,000 mobile numbers linked to scammers, and 2,000 unofficial social media accounts and phishing sites last year.
Customers can report scam messages through Globe’s spam reporting mechanism on its website via https://www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam.html.
The reporting form is also available on the GlobeOne App and Globe’s Facebook Messenger and all other agent-assisted channels.
Android phone users may also set up spam filters on their Android devices by downloading the "Messages" app of Google as their default Android SMS messenger.
This messaging app has a Spam Protection setting which can be enabled to block unwanted or unsolicited messages.
Globe’s efforts against smishing are part of its goal to protect technological innovations, which are critical to economic growth and development.
This is aligned with its commitment to infrastructure and innovation targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.