The Philippines A Major Cyberattack Target - Despite Decrease in Overall Threats

The Philippines A Major Cyberattack Target - Despite Decrease in Overall Threats

Despite a year-on-year decline in overall cyberattacks, the Philippines remains a significant target for web threats, according to a recent Kaspersky report. In fact, the country has risen to third place globally in terms of countries most affected by cyberthreats.

Sustained Sophistication and Relentlessness

Kaspersky's general manager for Southeast Asia, Yeo Siang Tiong, emphasizes that the rise in global rankings, despite a decrease in detected threats, highlights the persistent vulnerability of Filipino internet users. This sustained sophistication and relentlessness by cybercriminals underscore the need for businesses and individuals to strengthen their defenses and stay vigilant against evolving online threats.

Cybersecurity A Necessity, Not an Option

This report should serve as a wake-up call for businesses and individuals in the Philippines, Yeo said. Clearly, it's time to prioritize cybersecurity awareness training and invest in robust protection strategies. Filipinos are known to be highly active online, making cybersecurity no longer just an option but a necessity in today's digital landscape.

2024 Kaspersky Security Network Report Key Findings

In 2024, Kaspersky Security Network detected 14,101,706 web threats targeting Filipino users, with 42.3 percent of users facing cyber risks. This figure represents a decrease from the previous year, when 26,164,698 web threats were recorded, impacting 48 percent of Filipino users.

Common Web Threats Drive-by Downloads and Social Engineering Attacks

Web threats refer to cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities in web browsers, plug-ins, and online platforms to deliver malware and other harmful content to unsuspecting users. The most common methods used by cybercriminals include drive-by downloads and social engineering attacks.

Prioritizing Cybersecurity Defenses

Yeo emphasized that while the decline in total threats detected in 2024 might indicate improved cybersecurity measures among businesses and individuals, the Philippines' higher global ranking underscores the need for continuous efforts to strengthen cybersecurity defenses through comprehensive protection strategies.

Looking Ahead Adapting to Evolving Threats

As we look beyond 2025, it's essential to acknowledge that the cyber threat landscape is likely to continue evolving. Cybercriminals will adapt their tactics to exploit new vulnerabilities and take advantage of human psychology. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses and individuals in the Philippines must prioritize cybersecurity awareness training and invest in robust protection strategies.

Conclusion

The Philippines' ranking as a major cyberattack target in 2024 serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders. It's crucial to acknowledge that cybersecurity is no longer an option but a necessity in today's digital landscape. By staying vigilant, investing in comprehensive protection strategies, and promoting cybersecurity awareness training, we can work together to safeguard the Philippines' online presence.

Keywords Cybersecurity, Kaspersky, Web threats, Drive-by downloads, Social engineering attacks, Philippines

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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