Globe Telecom Inc. has seen a spike in the number of blocked subscriber identity modules (SIM) from other networks believed to be engaged in malicious activities in the first quarter of the year
Globe has blacklisted 36,549 SIMs from other networks, a 62 percent spike compared to the 22,455 competitor SIMs blocked in the same period last year.
Globe said the drastic year-on-year increase underscores its intensified campaign to identify and take down errant SIMs involved in short messaging service (SMS) spam blasts, online fraud schemes and other illicit activities.
Globe also deactivated 841 SIMs from its network in the first quarter after they were identified as potential sources of spam or scam SMS or misuse. This figure marks a 30 percent year-on-year increase from the 647 Globe SIMs deactivated in the first quarter of 2023.
“We have zero tolerance for abusive SIMs that undermine network security and compromise customer experience. Our accelerated deactivation efforts demonstrate our unwavering resolve to fight these cybersecurity threats head-on,” said Anton Bonifacio, Globe chief information security officer.
Given the risk these SIMs pose to personal and financial information, Globe urges customers to remain alert. This includes steering clear of unfamiliar links, disregarding requests for personal details or one-time PINs, and promptly reporting any dubious messages via the Stop Spam portal.
The company’s offensive against compromised SIMs is part of its cybersecurity measures to detect and neutralize malicious SMS traffic more effectively. Globe has also partnered with other industry players including telcos, banks, online retail platforms and concerned government agencies in threat intelligence sharing.
