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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider Globe blocks 2.59 billion spam, scam messages

Globe blocks 2.59 billion spam, scam messages

Published Oct 18, 2023 07:59 am

Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. has blocked 2.59 billion spam and scam messages as of end-September 2023, in compliance with the National Telecommunications Commission's (NTC) directive to protect customers' data from fraudulent activities.

Aside from blocking spam and scam texts, the company has also deactivated 4,733 SIMs, and blacklisted 150,287 linked to online fraud.

Last year, Globe's blocking efforts resulted in 2.73 billion messages blocked, including malicious and suspicious texts and those with clickable links. 60,000 SIMs were also deactivated.

The telco's security measures were enforced in accordance with the NTC's memorandum issued in September 2022, ordering all telecommunication companies operating in the country to "block or deactivate domains or Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), TinyURLs, Smart Links, and/or QR Codes emanating from malicious sites."

The memorandum was made in response to increasing reports of spam messages and text scams, particularly unwanted texts from unknown contacts using the full name of mobile users.

The NTC and multiple telcos have warned the public against clicking links in SMS that may steal personal data, download malware, and incur charges. These links can often impersonate established agencies or offer fake incentives.

Globe said it was "the first to implement the order in 2022, filtering all person-to-person (P2P) SMS with clickable links within its network."

Globe has invested $20 million to "enhance its spam and scam SMS detection and blocking mechanisms," and set up its 24/7 Security Operations Center that filters undesired messages from both international and domestic sources, covering both app-to-person (AP2) and P2P SMS.

The company said it continues to support the government's initiatives to curb fraud or cybercrime.

"We praise and embrace the NTC's directive. We at Globe recognize its significance in our shared journey towards a safer digital landscape. In line with this proactive step, we reaffirm our commitment to reducing scams and fraudulent activities, ensuring that every message sent and received is one of trust," said Anton Bonifacio, Globe Chief Information Security Officer.

Unwanted SMS may be reported via Globe's #StopSpam portal. For added protection, the company advises mobile users to install spam filters on their devices.

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