KASPERSKY, a global leader in cybersecurity and digital privacy, expects a surge in cybercrime during the holiday season and urges Filipinos to stay vigilant.
In July to September, Kasperskey products detected 3.39 million web-based cyber threats on the computers of Kaspersky Security Network participants in the Philippines.
During the period, 28 percent of users encountered these internet-borne threats, placing the country 8th globally in terms of web threat exposure.
“Given the Philippines’ high exposure to cyber threats, it’s important for both individuals and businesses to stay vigilant,” said Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.
“Taking simple steps, such as using reliable security tools and staying informed about common online scams, can go a long way in preventing cyber incidents,” Hia added.
Among the most prevalent cyber attacks are phishing emails and malicious links, which are often disguised as holiday offers, delivery updates or seasonal greetings, Kaspersky said.
Cybercriminals use these to trick recipients into clicking on harmful links or opening infected attachments.
Fake websites are another danger, often imitating trusted retailers or service providers to steal payment information, Kaspersky added. Shoppers may unknowingly enter their credit card details or personal data, only for it to be intercepted by fraudsters.
It also noted file-less malware as a significant concern during this time, operating without installing traditional files on a system, making it difficult for antivirus programs to detect. It often takes advantage of legitimate tools to carry out malicious activity in the background.
