Appdome Tackles Geo-Fraud with More Defenses for Mobile Apps

Appdome Tackles Geo-Fraud with More Defenses for Mobile Apps

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Mobile Brands and Enterprises Can Now Add Geo-Location Fencing and Geo DeSync Detection to Android & iOS Apps with No Code, No SDK and No Server Needed

Appdome, the mobile app economy’s one-stop shop for mobile defense, today announced it has enhanced its award-winning Geo-Fraud Detection service to include two new defenses: Geo-Location Fencing and Geo DeSync Attack Detection. Combined with other Geo-Compliance features available on the Appdome platform, mobile app developers and enterprises can eliminate location-based fraud, ensure geo-compliance and deliver location relevant user experiences in mobile apps free from location spoofing, fake location, VPNs, Fake GPS Apps and other threats.

Geo-fencing is essential in finance apps and other regulated industries that need to meet Know Your Customer (KYC) and other compliance mandates, such as the US Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) requirements. Geo-fencing enables mobile app developers to restrict or limit app access on a country or regional level, ensuring that operations are compliant with local laws and regulations.

A Geo Desync Attack is a cyber-attack that intentionally creates mismatches in location data on a mobile device. By manipulating GPS coordinates, altering the time zone settings, and falsifying accelerometer readings, attackers can deceive location-based services and security systems. This type of attack can lead to inaccurate tracking, unauthorized access, and potential breaches of security protocols, undermining the integrity of location-dependent applications and services.

“Detecting geo related fraud is a top priority in today's mobile app economy. Attackers are increasingly using location spoofing to avoid compliance, for example,” said Eric Newcomer, CTO and Principal Analyst at Intellyx. “Mobile apps rely on accurate location for their services and are increasingly required to confirm device location to maintain trust. Appdome’s mobile Geo Compliance service reduces developer complexity for implementing advanced geo-compliance security features.”

Unlike legacy geo compliance offerings that rely on proprietary, costly, and vendor-built geo service networks, the Appdome Geo Compliance solution zeros in on protecting the mobile device’s built-in location services and ensures these services have not been abused or tampered with. Appdome’s approach eliminates the need for third-party networks, SDKs, complex server-based implementations and does not require third-party monthly usage fees, allowing the enforcement to work even if the device is not network-connected.

“Offering a broad range of mobile Geo Compliance features under a single pane of glass with other security and anti-fraud defenses is a game changer,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO of Appdome. “These added Geo-Fraud defenses showcase how the Appdome platform is uniquely extensible, and allows brands, developers and enterprises alike to solve multiple mobile app defense objectives simultaneously in the same automated workflow.”

The full Appdome Mobile Geo-Compliance solution puts an end to geo-fraud by detecting fake location, fake GPS apps, fraudulent location, detect VPN, no SIM (fake device), teleportation, Geo DeSync and other attacks. Customers simply select the Geo-Compliance features needed in any Android & iOS apps and initiate the build command from CI/CD or using the Appdome Platform’s “Build My App” button. Appdome’s patented technology uses machine learning to code the defenses into each application, so mobile developers don’t have to.

“Compliance was the early driver for our geo-fraud solution, but now there’s so much more customers are getting out of it,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer of Appdome. “Stopping location-fraud and ensuring valid, real location in mobile applications is universal across every Android & iOS app, whether it’s a streaming, dating, restaurant, retail, gig economy or other app. True location is what we deliver in these mobile apps.”

The Appdome Geo-Compliance solution is available in multiple enforcement modes including advanced telemetry and customized responses or workflows when geo compliance threats are detected, and monitoring geo-fraud attacks via the Appdome ThreatScope™ Mobile XDR, either before or after the deployment of geo-location defenses via the Appdome platform.

See the full Appdome Mobile Geo-Compliance solution live at Black Hat USA August 3-8, 2024 in booth #1350.

For more information on Appdome Geo-Compliance capabilities and to book a personalized demo, visit https://www.appdome.com/mobile-fraud-detection/geo-compliance/.

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RLC Residences announces net zero carbon and resilient condo target, with advisory support from the International Finance Corporation

RLC Residences announces net zero carbon and resilient condo target, with advisory support from the International Finance Corporation

Monday, July 29, 2024

RLC Residences Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager John Richard Sotelo (left) with International Finance Corporation Country Lead (Climate Business) for the Philippines, Malaysia, and the Pacific Angelo Tan at the ceremonial contract signing during the 2nd Climate Forum

RLC Residences recently forged a groundbreaking agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), committing one million square meters (GFA) of net zero carbon and resilient condominiums by 2031. 

The pledge was spearheaded by RLC Residences Senior Vice President and Business Unit General Manager Chad Sotelo during IFC’s 2nd Climate Forum at Ayala Museum. Sotelo was joined by Angelo Tan, Country Lead for IFC World Bank Group's Climate Business in the Philippines, Malaysia and the Pacific. The partnership will focus on identifying, evaluating, and implementing green building measures to help achieve net zero carbon using Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification from IFC Additionally, they will assess and verify the resilience rating of RLC Residences projects to be built moving forward through IFC’s Building Resilience Index (BRI) tool.

“We started this journey on sustainability back in 2022 and we’re happy to have known enough to get our first building, Le Pont Residences in Bridgetowne [Destination Estate], to be EDGE-certified. With this fantastic partnership we have with IFC, we're learning that there's a lot of work involved but at the same time, it's part and parcel of what we do on a day-to-day basis. We are thankful to IFC for helping us understand sustainability and resilience better and how we can improve our residential projects with that in mind,” shared Sotelo during the Forum.

As the residential division of the property giant Robinsons Land Corporation, which is also active in sustainability efforts on a corporate level, RLC Residences is now taking a proactive stance on designing developments that are efficiently built. Despite being a newcomer in sustainable residential developments, RLC Residences got its first preliminary EDGE Certification for Le Pont Residences Tower 1 at Bridgetowne East in Pasig City, recognizing its energy and water efficiency measures and sustainability features for future homeowners.

“RLC Residences' commitment to green and resilient initiatives is commendable and a vital step towards a sustainable future. Achieving EDGE Preliminary Certification for Le Pont Residences reflects a forward-thinking approach that benefits the environment and the local community.” Says Ommid Saberi, IFC’s Global Lead for EDGE and Building Resilience Index. “IFC will also be supporting the resilient assessment of its projects. As a hot spot for disasters, it is crucial to explore how the Philippines can incorporate climate resilience practices into the design and construction of buildings.”

Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), is a free software and green building standard and certification system. The prestigious certification aims to empower developers to build sustainable properties through cost-effective and environment-friendly means while delivering high-quality buildings.

For more information, visit rlcresidences.com or follow RLC Residences on Facebook and Instagram.

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InLife CMO and Bancassurance Head discusses challenges and opportunities of marketing insurance to women

InLife CMO and Bancassurance Head discusses challenges and opportunities of marketing insurance to women

Monday, July 22, 2024

Tailoring insurance to meet women’s unique needs, concerns, and preferences is a crucial step in encouraging them to practice financial empowerment and security. This is according to Insular Life (InLife) Chief Marketing Officer and Bancassurance Head Gae L. Martinez.

“Women are incredibly diverse. They come from varied backgrounds, possess unique life experiences, and face a multitude of challenges. Therefore, our approach to selling insurance to women must be nuanced, empathetic, and tailored to individual circumstances,” she said in her speech before the Professional Insurance and Financial Advisors Association of the Philippines (PIFAAP) Congress.

The PIFAAP is comprised of leading insurance and financial service professionals dedicated to promoting high standards of ethics, client services, and productivity. It is focused on professional excellence through continuing education.

Understand what women need

Martinez emphasized women’s crucial role as catalysts for social progress and as substantial contributors to income generation and community investment. This is why insurance providers should devote themselves to genuinely hearing women, comprehending their distinct situations, and empathizing with their worries.

“Whether it's supporting their families, planning for the future, or navigating life's uncertainties, women possess specific needs that necessitate attention. The InLife Sheroes Landmark Study on Women in 2018, yielded valuable insights into the financial and health-related mindsets of Filipino women,” she shared.

The InLife Sheroes Advocacy and Movement is the flagship initiative of InLife for women empowerment through financial inclusion. It was launched in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2019. Initially targeting one million Filipino women in three years, it has surpassed expectations, reaching out to 4.56 million Filipino women by the end of 2021 and up to 6.5 million Filipino in 2023.

Martinez shared that InLife Sheroes has forged partnerships with various like-minded organizations that are committed to empowering women through on-ground events, webinars, and other initiatives. They include the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, Imaginable Impact, and What Glass Ceiling podcast among others.

Provide education, empathy, and trust

Empowerment through education is equally important. In order to make informed and wise financial decisions, women prefer comprehensive explanations and educational resources according to Martinez.

“As insurance professionals, it's our responsibility to demystify complex insurance policies, explain coverage options in clear terms, and provide the necessary information for women to make informed choices,” she said.

Just as important as education is practicing empathy and building trust.

“To cultivate trust, it’s essential to go beyond mere transactions and foster genuine connections. Demonstrating empathy, by truly understanding and acknowledging women’s concerns, fosters a sense of being heard and valued. Transparency is equally vital, openly sharing information about products, processes, and potential outcomes instills confidence and removes uncertainty,” Martinez said.

Customize solutions

Martinez said that women’s insurance needs differ based on various factors such as life stage, civil status, family structure and career. Insurance companies must therefore offer personalized solutions that align with these.

Last year, InLife launched Resilience Female Cancers, a limited pay whole life critical illness plan that provides a guaranteed lump sum cash benefit upon the diagnosis of nine specific cancer types: breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer, uterine sarcomas, malignant mixed mullerian tumors, malignant germ cell tumors, fallopian tube cancer and leiomyosarcomas.

Make insurance accessible and affordable

Martinez also encouraged insurance professionals to provide transparent pricing information and explain how insurance can be affordable, considering its long-term financial protection.

“Utilize digital tools and resources to make the insurance buying process more convenient and accessible for women,” she encouraged.

Martinez shared that InLife offers affordable insurance for women on Lazada for as low as P99 and through the UnionBank Insurance Marketplace. InLife products are also available through InLife financial advisors, and through the regional managers, financial advisors, insurance solutions managers of UnionBank.

“Selling insurance to women is more than just closing deals, it’s about empowering women to take control of their financial futures. By understanding their needs, educating them about their options, building trust, and providing personalized solutions, insurance professionals and financial advisors can play a pivotal role in ensuring that every woman has the protection and security she deserves,” Martinez said.

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AIA Philippines Partners with Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation to Bring Healthier Habits to Philippine Schools

AIA Philippines Partners with Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation to Bring Healthier Habits to Philippine Schools

AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life and one of the country’s largest life insurance companies, has partnered with Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAFM) to bring the AIA Healthiest Schools program to underserved elementary and secondary public schools. This program, which AIA is bringing to the Philippines after successful launches in other countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia, aims to empower students aged five to sixteen and their teachers to adopt healthier living habits.

AIA Healthiest Schools offers free curriculum-linked teaching resources to schools, with the goal of educating students about healthy habits and assisting schools and communities in creating a healthier and happier environment. It is structured around four key pillars: healthy eating; active lifestyle; mental well-being; and health and sustainability. 

In its first year, AIA Philippines will introduce AIA Healthiest Schools in three public elementary schools and three public high schools. The program extends beyond the classroom, encouraging participating schools to develop and implement impactful health projects within their communities. These projects will be showcased in a regional competition in July 2025, where schools will have the opportunity to compete with schools from other countries where AIA is present.

AIA Healthiest Schools is the first of its kind health literacy program, combining education and rewarding good behavior which will revolutionize health-related programs and sustainability in schools. From left to right: AIA Philippines’ Associate Director for Brand Experience and ESG Bernadette Chincuanco, AIA Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson, Corazon S. Atayde Memorial Foundation (CSAFM) Executive Director Margarita Atayde and CSAFM Program Manager Rylene Ngeta-a.

"We believe that taking a proactive role in building healthy habits among the youth is one of the best ways we can to bring to life our Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer Better Lives," said Melissa Henson, AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer. "By collaborating with CSAMF and public schools nationwide, we are not only empowering students to adopt healthier habits, but also creating opportunities for communities to develop a lasting appreciation for well-being.”

CSAFM is a non-profit organization that seeks to provide reliable, responsible, and trustworthy avenues of generosity by developing and implementing programs focused on education. It has reached 54,043 learners across the country and worked with almost 1,000 community coordinators and volunteers. 

AIA Healthiest Schools directly aligns with AIA's ambitious One Billion Goal, which aims to engage, inspire, and empower one billion people worldwide to live healthier, longer, better lives. Through this program, AIA Philippines is taking a significant step towards creating a healthier and more vibrant future for young Filipinos.

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Filipina Sells Suman Online Gets Boost from PLDT Global and DMW

Filipina Sells Suman Online Gets Boost from PLDT Global and DMW

Annalyn Fernan, a 37-year-old from Cavite, sells delicious rice cakes (suman) and other traditional snacks online. This business is super important for her family since her husband, who worked overseas, passed away last year.

Annalyn's mom started the business during the pandemic, and it's been doing great! To get even more customers,Annalyn uses her phone and the internet to sell on social media. "We get orders from all over, even from Filipinos working abroad who see my posts," she said. "That's why having good internet is key!"

On top of selling yummy snacks, Annalyn is also a busy mom of two! She's growing her business even more by offering phone reloading and bill payments. This cool program is from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and PLDT Global. They gave Annalyn a package to help her succeed, including a new phone, marketing materials, and signs to attract customers.

Annalyn is so grateful for the help. "The money I earn helps us so much," she said. "Thanks to PLDT Global for working with the DMW to make things easier for us!"

People from both DMW and PLDT Global even visited Annalyn to see her business! They were really impressed.Annalyn thanked the DMW for their ongoing support. "They've been there for us every step of the way," she said. "I hope they can help more families like mine!"

The DMW's main guy, Secretary Hans Cacdac, said, "This program shows our commitment to helping Filipinos working abroad and their families. We partner with great companies like PLDT Global to offer helpful programs."

PLDT Global does even more than just this livelihood program. They also offer digital skills training for Filipinos working overseas. Last year, they provided grants, gadgets, and training for cacao farming to Filipinos who came back home from working abroad. They even gave educational kits to the kids of a Filipino worker in Qatar!

"We hope by working together with the DMW, we can improve the lives of Filipinos and help them achieve their dreams," said Albert Villa-Real, the big boss at PLDT Global.

PLDT Global is all about closing the digital gap by making sure Filipinos everywhere can access digital services. They have products and services that make life easier, especially their TINBO app. Filipinos abroad can use TINBO to buy phone load, pay bills back home, send food vouchers and gifts, and even get healthcare and gaming PINs for their families in the Philippines.

Through TINBO, overseas Filipinos can also get a special Smart virtual number (SVN) to receive important codes from their Philippine e-wallets and banks. Plus, they can use TINBO to pay all their bills back home easily and securely.

PLDT Global's partnership with the DMW is a great example of their overall mission to serve Filipinos everywhere and make their lives better.

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Bangsamoro Government lays out commitments to improve education in the BARMM

Bangsamoro Government lays out commitments to improve education in the BARMM

The Bangsamoro Government celebrated the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region on 18 July 2024. The Plan lays out the commitments of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education to enhance the quality of formal madrasah education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the next three years.

Madrasah is an Islamic educational system that aims to develop Muslim learners to be morally upright and committed to excellence. The Ministry recognizes madrasah education’s significant role in contributing to the peace and stability, and the future development of the BARMM. The goal is to develop future Muslim professionals and innovators who could drive economic growth, peace, and stability in the region. 

The Australian Government provided technical assistance to the Ministry in developing the Plan. They conducted policy reviews of madrasah education, led consultation sessions with relevant partners, and facilitated expert consultations to support the drafting process. 

“As neighbours and strategic partners, Australia and the Philippines share the goal of achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region – and we believe that education plays a vital role in achieving this,” said Dr Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy.

“I thank our friends and partners from the Ministry for their continued dedication in strengthening education policies and institutions in the BARMM. Australia remains committed to working with you in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous region.” 

Under the Plan, the Ministry aims to increase the number of Bangsamoro learners – regardless of gender, physical ability, and social and economic status – by 30%. By 2025, they also aim to increase the number of formal madrasah institutions by 15%. Institutionalizing madrasahs is important because it allows the Ministry to monitor and regulate the quality of education and services they provide. 

The Ministry has made great strides in integrating traditional madrasah into the Bangsamoro education system. To date, 373 formal madrasah delivering K-12 and Islamic education have been recognised. A policy guide developed with the Australian Government is also supporting the accreditation of 444 non formal madrasah. The Ministry also have plans to develop a standardised curriculum for all madrasahs, including non-formal madrasas, with the aim of accrediting them down the road.

Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minister of MBHTE said: “Strengthening madrasah education represents 'unity in diversity.' It demonstrates Bangsamoro’s firm commitment to preserving our region's rich historical, religious, and educational heritage while creating an inclusive environment where every learner, regardless of background, can succeed.”

“Madrasah education is integral to our people’s aspiration to shape our educational policies and systems. Therefore, the Bangsamoro deserves genuine autonomy that all parties should honor. A thriving autonomy is the true solution to the recurring internal conflicts in the region.”

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Schneider Electric introduces scalable decarbonization roadmap for PH manufacturing, donates P5M worth of equipment to Dualtech

Schneider Electric introduces scalable decarbonization roadmap for PH manufacturing, donates P5M worth of equipment to Dualtech

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and digital automation, announced a scalable decarbonization roadmap for the manufacturing sector in the Philippines during the recent Go Industry 2024: Driving towards a Net Zero Industry event held at The Mills Country Club, Laguna co-hosted with Dualtech Training Center Foundation, Inc.

The event was attended by leaders from the Laguna Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Climate Change Commission (CCC) Philippines, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Dr. Song Pei Chua, Business Development Manager for Chemicals, Schneider Electric East Asia discusses the decarbonization roadmap for the Philippine manufacturing sector.

The decarbonization roadmap outlines four key strategies that the sector can implement gradually to reduce carbon footprint:

• Electrifying operations through microgrid optimization
• Reducing energy consumption through digitalization and automation
• Replacing energy sources with renewable energy such as solar energy, wind power, and hydropower
• Engaging the entire value chain to design and build for sustainability and to offset carbon emissions, enabling a circular economy

"Our approach to decarbonization involves not just transforming our energy supply but also optimizing our processes through electrification," said Dr. Song Pei Chua, Business Development Manager for Chemicals, Schneider Electric East Asia. "Strategic planning, digitization, and a steadfast commitment to efficiency and sustainability are at the core of manufacturing and industrial operations."

Schneider Electric's Sustainability Business Team helps industries achieve their carbon neutrality targets by developing customized digital-centric strategies. They provide advisory services to establish a baseline, understand current energy use, and create a comprehensive roadmap towards carbon neutrality.

Deployment of Schneider Electric’s proprietary and award-winning cloud-based platform EcoStruxure Resource Advisor helps collect and analyze energy consumption data. With this, businesses can develop better energy and sustainability strategies. Software trainings are conducted by Schneider Electric to help educate partners on how to maximize the software to enable effective application into their operations.

During the event, CCC and UNDP both emphasized the significant role the private sector plays in achieving the country's climate goals. “Shifting to digital operations is crucial for sectors aiming to reduce carbon emissions and meet the targets established by the nationally determined contribution (NDC) implementation plan," CCC Executive Assistant Raul Villegas stated. 

Schneider Electric Empowering Youth to Drive Digital Transformation

Schneider Electric's commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental initiatives. This is demonstrated by the company’s 5-year partnership with Dualtech where Schneider Electric has committed to provide PHP5 million worth of equipment and instructor training. 

Dualtech, accredited by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), offers a 2-year Electromechanics Technology course combining electrical, mechanical, and electronics disciplines. In response to the global demand for skilled workers, the institution is modernizing its training programs and facilities to accommodate more scholars and to address shortages of training equipment and tools.

The company aims to be carbon neutral in operations by 2025, save 800 million tons of carbon annually by 2030, achieve full value chain carbon neutrality by 2040, and reach net zero across all scopes by 2050—urging the manufacturing sector and other industries to follow suit. Recently, TIME Magazine has hailed Schneider Electric as the “Most Sustainable Company in the World”.

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