SGlobe Blocks 32.2 Million : In just two weeks after applying its ground-breaking safeguard against all person-to-person. SMS with URLs, Globe blocked over 32.2 million spam and scam text messages with clickable links. Total blocked spam and scam messages reached 1.3 billion from January to September.
This figure spans October 13 to September 28, when Globe began applying the strict measure. This indicates that Globe blocked 2.4 million SMS messages with clickable links daily. “The amount of text messages with clickable links we block. Within just about two weeks shows the staggering number of spam and scam SMS. That disrupt and threaten customers every day. This is empirical proof that our security measure was warrante,”
According to Globe’s Chief Information Security Officer. Anton Bonifacio, “This is empirical evidence that our security measure was warrante. Globe started blocking SMS with clickable URLs in the last week of September in response to growing concern. Over the escalating spam and scam messages, particularly those containing mobile users’ full names.
The measure, a first in the sector, makes Globe the first and only telco actively blocking. All person-to-person SMS with clickable links. and it will be in effect until the SIM Registration Act is implemented. Globe has also set a new record for blocked spam and scam messages, totaling 1.3 billion from January to the end of September.
This surpasses the sum of 1.15 billion for the entire year of 2021 (January to December). In addition, the number of blocked SMS every month increased sharply, rising by 295.74% over nine months, from 68.34 million in January to 270.5 million in September.
All person-to-person SMS from all networks that contain clickable links are prohibited as part of the novel security precaution. This demonstrates that the blocking technique has been successful because it has forced scammers to develop new ways to construct their scam messages.
Do not respond to SMS messages from unknown sources that contain tempting offers, Bonifacio urged. “We reiterate our call on our customers to remain vigilant. As fraudsters will continue to find ways to circumvent measures that aim to thwart them. Do not engage with SMS from anonymous sources making enticing offers,”
To date, Globe has invested P1.1 billion, or $20 million, in improving its system for identifying and preventing spam and fraudulent SMS. Its Security Operations Center is active around-the-clock to filter out these unwanted messages, including app-to-person and person-to-person SMS from domestic and foreign sources.
