PLDT Inc. and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, are ramping up efforts to combat scams and cybercrimes in the Philippines, as mobile-based transactions continue to dominate the country’s economy.
As the Philippines is considered a mobile-first nation, it has become a prime target for fraudsters looking to exploit vulnerabilities in the digital landscape. John Gonzales, FVP at PLDT and president and CEO of PLDT Clarktel, highlighted the company’s commitment to safeguarding consumers and enterprises during the Digital Nation Summit Manila organized by GSMA.
Gonzales outlined various initiatives, such as the participation in GSMA’s Open Gateway Initiative, which leverages standardized APIs to bolster digital security. Additionally, he mentioned upcoming technologies that PLDT and Smart are developing to enhance safety measures, including silent authentication to replace traditional OTPs, device location validation for detecting fraudulent transactions, and improved Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols for secure operations.
In addition to technological advancements, Gonzales underscored the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and public education in the fight against scams. The #BeCyberSmart campaign aims to educate individuals on recognizing and avoiding fraudulent activities.
Smart Communications reported blocking nearly two billion malicious messages and blacklisting one million scam-related numbers in the first ten months of 2024. The company is also actively addressing the issue of fake cell towers used by scammers to disseminate fraudulent messages.
Gonzales reaffirmed PLDT and Smart’s commitment to partnering with government agencies such as the National Telecommunications Commission and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center to crackdown on cybercriminal activities.
Overall, the concerted efforts of PLDT and Smart demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the rising challenges of scams and cybercrimes in the Philippines. By leveraging technology, collaboration, and public awareness campaigns, the companies are working towards creating a safer digital environment for all stakeholders involved.