The number of spam and scam messages blocked by Globe Telecom Inc. doubled in the first full year of the subscriber identity module (SIM) registration in 2023 compared to the previous year, reflecting the effectiveness of the telco’s stringent measures against cyber threats.
In a statement, Globe said it blocked 5.48 billion scam and spam messages last year compared to 2.7 billion recorded in 2022.
Globe said it is working to eliminate scam-linked SIMs through its improved validation process of SIM registration data.
Anton Bonifacio, Globe chief information security officer, said the continuing prevalence of scam and spam messages could be linked to either black market SIMs registered under false identities or legitimate SIMs repurposed for criminal use.
Globe said its vigilant approach aims to identify and neutralize threats through thorough post-registration validation efforts.
“These scam messages that continue to spread could be from SIMs obtained in the black market with false identities or else legitimate SIMs used as mules. There is a market for selling or loaning legitimately registered SIMs that could be used as mules in criminal activity. We hope that with the validation process of SIM registration data through our upgraded platform, we will be able to deactivate these scam-linked SIMs,” Bonifacio said.
With its enhanced SIM registration platform, Globe can verify SIM registration data as fast as 24 hours. The process is ongoing, and Globe said it aims to complete the validation of over 61.4 million registered users by the end of 2024.
Globe reiterated its call on the public to remain vigilant, never respond to or engage with unknown callers and text message senders, and install spam filters on their mobile devices, if such feature is available.
Customers may report spam and scam messages they receive via Globe’s StopSpam portal. Its 24/7 Security Operations Center also continues to block unwanted messages.
National Telecommunications Commission data showed that Globe has 58.2 million registered mobile users as of Oct. 17, 2023.
