Globe, the country’s mobile leader, has significantly ramped up its efforts
to combat cyber threats by deactivating and blocking an increasing number
of SIMs engaged in malicious activities.
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the company blacklisted 36,549 SIMs
from other networks, a 62% spike compared to the 22,455 competitor SIMs
blocked during the same period last year.
The drastic year-on-year increase underscores Globe’s intensified campaign
to identify and take down errant SIMs involved in SMS spam blasts, online
fraud schemes, and other illicit activities.
Globe also deactivated 841 SIMs from its network in Q1 2024 after they were
identified as potential sources of spam or scam SMS, or misuse. This figure
marks a 30% year-on-year increase from the 647 Globe SIMs deactivated in Q1
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’s Chief Information Security Officer.
SIM abuse cases are detected through Globe’s monitoring systems and
customer reports via its Stop Spam <https://www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam#gref>
portal. The company promptly deactivates those SIMs to safeguard its
customers and service quality.
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.
“Cybersecurity demands continuous effort and investment to stay ahead of
emerging threats. Our intensified deactivation of rogue SIMs reaffirms our
commitment to delivering a secure and anxiety-free experience for Globe
customers,” said Bonifacio.
With a multi-pronged strategy of technological upgrades, industry
collaboration, and customer education, Globe seeks to fortify its
cybersecurity posture and maintain leadership in protecting consumers from
spam, scams, and other cyber threats.
Globe works closely with stakeholders to battle fraud. It has partnered
with government agencies, including the Philippine National Police
Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG), to jointly clamp down on fraudsters.
Collaboration with law enforcers has led to successful operations against
cybercriminals.
Globe customers may support the campaign against fraud by exercising
vigilance and reporting cases via Globe’s Stop Spam portal
<https://www.globe.com.ph/stop-spam#gref> or the PNP ACG
<https://www.facebook.com/anticybercrimegroup> via 0968 867 4302.
Globe also calls on mobile phone users to be wary of emerging fraud tactics
occurring outside telco networks, such as scam messages sent via
over-the-top messaging apps and spoofing. There have been rising cases of
scams sent via chat apps and spoofing, costing victims their hard-earned
money.