SOCIAL MEDIA

2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report Reveals Nearly 44% of Security Incidents Involved a Web Browser

Tuesday, April 1, 2025


Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, has released the 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, which found that threat actors are now evolving their tactics, moving beyond traditional ransomware and data theft to focus on business disruption, AI-assisted attacks, and insider threats. According to the report, almost half of the security incidents (44%) involved a web browser.

In the Philippines, industry players are taking a more proactive approach to building a security framework for digital resilience. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reports that government agencies, academic institutions, and telecommunications companies remain prime targets for cyber criminals, with 10% of attacks targeted at the banking and healthcare sectors.

Recognizing the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures, key institutions such as the country’s Central Bank are working to establish a targeted cyber resilience council to protect financial infrastructure.

As financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies across the globe face an unprecedented cyber threat landscape, regional regulators are strengthening Zero Trust frameworks, adopting AI-powered security solutions, and enforcing stricter compliance measures.

The shift from financial extortion to full-scale business disruption means enterprises must rethink their cyber defenses before an attack happens, particularly in sectors that rely on cloud and third-party vendors.

The 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, which analyzed hundreds of major cyber incidents, aims to highlight how the increased sophistication of malicious actors is amplifying the challenges faced by businesses worldwide.

Key findings of the 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report include:

Operational Disruption as a Primary Goal: Attackers are prioritizing sabotage over data theft, aiming to cripple businesses and maximize extortion. In 2024, 86% of incidents led to operational downtime or reputational damage.

Surge in Insider Threats Linked to North Korea: Cases tripled in 2024, with operatives targeting contract-based technical roles at major tech firms, financial services, media, and government defense contractors. Advanced techniques, including hardware-based KVM-over-IP devices and Visual Studio Code tunneling, make detection more challenging.

Accelerated Data Exfiltration: Attackers are exfiltrating data three times faster than in 2021, with 25% of cases seeing data stolen within five hours, and nearly 20% occurring in under an hour.

Expanded Attack Surfaces: 70% of incidents involved three or more attack vectors, underscoring the need for comprehensive security across endpoints, networks, cloud environments, and human vulnerabilities. Web browsers remain a weak link, facilitating 44% of attacks via phishing, malicious redirects, and malware downloads.

Phishing Resurges as Top Entry Point: 23% of attacks began with phishing, overtaking vulnerabilities as the leading attack vector. GenAI has made phishing campaigns more scalable, sophisticated, and difficult to detect.

"Cyber criminals targeting organizations in the Asia-Pacific and Japan region are no longer just stealing data, they are actively taking down entire operations,” said Philippa Cogswell, Vice President and Managing Partner, Unit 42, Asia-Pacific & Japan, Palo Alto Networks. "Traditional approaches to cybersecurity are no longer sufficient in addressing the visibility gaps and complexity challenges that organisations face today. To stay ahead of evolving threats, businesses must adopt AI-driven, automated security solutions that can outpace adversaries and provide comprehensive real-time protection."

“As cyber threats in Asia-Pacific evolve from data theft to full-scale operational disruption, it is crucial for organizations to reassess their cybersecurity strategies, and shift from fragmented approaches towards a unified security approach that prioritizes real-time threat detection, rapid response, and actionable threat intelligence,” said Steven Scheurmann, Regional Vice President, ASEAN, Palo Alto Networks. “In the Philippines, where critical sectors like finance, healthcare, and government are increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, building cyber resilience requires not only advanced technological capabilities but also a deeper and stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s digital future.”

Data for this report was sourced from more than 500 cases Unit 42 responded to between October 2023 and December 2024, as well as from other case data going back to 2021. The affected organizations were headquartered in 38 unique countries, including the U.S. and those based in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

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Knowledge Channel and AIA Philippines team up to bring health education to more Filipino students


The country’s largest and only educational digital free-to-air and cable channel Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) and AIA Philippines Life and General Insurance Company, Inc. (AIA Philippines), formerly Philam Life and the local arm Hong Kong based AIA Group, recently formalized their partnership at a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony for the AIA Healthiest Schools (AHS) program. AHS is AIA’s educational initiative that aims to empower more schools, students and communities to become healthier and more sustainable.

The collaboration extends the AHS program to 10,000 public schools in KCFI’s nationwide network and aligns with AIA's broader commitment to promoting holistic well-being, as seen in their newly launched "Rethink Healthy" campaign. This partnership will leverage KCFI’s extensive reach and expertise in educational content creation to develop and broadcast engaging health education materials for upper primary students. KCFI will produce a series of nine 10-minute episodes on key AHS topics such as healthy eating, active living, and mental well-being, with scope recommended by the Department of Education. The episodes will be accessible through free-to-air television, cable, satellite, and online channels.

This initiative supports AIA’s goal of making healthy living more accessible and inclusive for all Filipinos. Much like AIA’s Rethink Healthy campaign, it addresses the physical and mental well-being of young students through engaging educational content and empowering them to instill healthy habits early in life, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for the nation.

"We are thrilled to partner with AIA Philippines to bring the AIA Healthiest Schools program to more young Filipinos in the country," said KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez Bautista. "This partnership will enable us to create and deliver high-quality, holistic health educational content that will empower students to make informed choices about their overall well-being. We believe this initiative will contribute significantly to creating healthier generations."

"The AIA Healthiest Schools program is designed to create a more inclusive environment that supports the health and well-being of students, in ways that are attainable, practical and sustainable for them,” said AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Henson. “By joining forces with Knowledge Channel Foundation, we're amplifying the program's impact and ensuring that its vital lessons reach a wider audience. We're confident that this partnership will empower more students to take control of their health, well-being, and future."

Learn more about the AIA Healthiest Schools program at https://ahs.aia.com/au/en/ To know more about Rethink Healthy, visit https://www.aia.com.ph/en/health-and-wellness/rethink-healthy
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Manulife Philippines Appoints Amy Gochuico as Manulife China Bank Life President and CEO

Amy Gochuico

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading international financial services provider Manulife, and Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL), the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation, announce the appointment of Amy Gochuico as MCBL’s President and CEO, effective 01 April 2025.

Gochuico joins Manulife Philippines with over 30 years of insurance and leadership experience across various Asian markets and organizations, specializing in bancassurance for two decades. Before her appointment, she served as Manulife Indonesia’s Chief Bancassurance Officer from 2021, where she was responsible for the Bancassurance channel’s overall growth and profitability.

“We’re excited to welcome Amy back to the Philippines as part of Manulife’s executive committee. During her time at Manulife Indonesia, she ensured sustainable and consistent growth for the Company’s Bancassurance business to meet its long-term commitments,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines.

Hora added, “As MCBL President and CEO, she will lead overall partnership management, deliver growth, develop our distribution team and bench strength, manage key business risks, and ensure quality outcomes that can help Manulife become the number one choice for our customers.”

Manulife China Bank Life is the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation.
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Coca-Cola Philippines and Partners Help Empower 2,000 Women Entrepreneurs Through iSTAR Program

Monday, March 31, 2025


The Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), a long-time partner of Coca-Cola Philippines, hosted the first-ever Hybrid Mass Graduation Ceremony for the iSTAR Program in Bacolod, Negros Occidental on February 1, 2025. This milestone aligns with Coca-Cola Philippines’ commitment to economic empowerment, particularly for women in grassroots communities.

The graduation ceremony brought together 2,000 graduates who joined in person or virtually, and reinforced the program’s role in uplifting women entrepreneurs nationwide.

This marked a major achievement for the iSTAR Program in Western Visayas, particularly in Region VI, highlighting its role in equipping entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build and sustain their businesses.

“For over 112 years, Coca-Cola Philippines has been refreshing the lives of Filipinos and making a positive difference in our communities, said Ivanna Dela Torre, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability at Coca-Cola Philippines.

The event was attended by key TESDA (Technical Education & Skills Development Authority) officials, including Director General Sec. Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez, Deputy Director General for Special Concerns Felizardo R. Colombo, Executive Director of the Partnerships and Linkages Office Floramel Joy C. Songsong, Chief of the National Training Center for Women Mylene H. Somera, and TESDA regional and provincial representatives.

Strengthening partnerships for greater impact

Catherine Gallano

iSTAR graduate and Sari-sari Store and Bakery owner Catherine Gallano, shared how the program equipped her with the essential skills and knowledge for her entrepreneurial success. Through the initiative’s digital learning platform, she also gained confidence in financial management and customer engagement, allowing her to expand her business.

“The iSTAR program has been incredibly beneficial as it empowers women like me to run a sustainable business, allowing us to earn a living and enhance our quality of life”, she shared.

The success of the iSTAR Program is driven by the strong collaboration between Coca-Cola Philippines, TESDA, and the NWTF. TESDA has played a key role in expanding the program’s reach by providing training and certification, as well as making iSTAR’s modules free and accessible nationwide through the TESDA Online Program, ensuring more aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from the initiative.

“You get addicted to learning; you get addicted to [the] growth of learning for yourself and sharing your learning through training others as well. Spread the message: TESDA is here to make sure that no Filipino potential goes to waste. We are here to ensure that you have the skills that you need for whatever you or your family aspires for. That we are here to help you from training to [trabaho],” said Sec. Benitez.

The NWTF has been instrumental in implementing iSTAR in grassroots communities. Its commitment to championing entrepreneurship has played a key role in ensuring that program participants—especially women—receive the necessary training and support to sustain their businesses.

"Loans are just part of it; we need loans to have capital, but the heart of Project Dungganon is to support, maximize, and protect the business. iSTAR is one of the programs Dungganon delivers in order to capacitate our members to better their businesses,” said Gilbert Stephan Maramba, Director for Operations at the NWTF.

Expanding support through Centers for Entrepreneurship

Launched in 2020, the iSTAR Program is a free entrepreneurship training initiative by Coca-Cola Philippines and TESDA. It is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills for starting and managing retail businesses through digital platforms.

In July 2024, Coca-Cola Philippines launched Centers for Entrepreneurship (CFEs) in seven key areas under the iSTAR Program. These hubs serve as sustainable spaces for ongoing training, mentorship, and financial support, ensuring that small business owners have access to resources that help them thrive.

“To our graduates, your journey does not end here. The CFEs are your "go-to" spaces for continuous learning, business mentoring, and exploring new opportunities for innovation. As graduates, you are always welcome to visit the NWTF CFE, where you’ll find support and guidance to help you grow and sustain your businesses,” Dela Torre added.

For more information about the iSTAR Program, visit the Coca-Cola Philippines Sustainability Hub: https://www.coca-cola.com/ph/en/brands/coca-cola/sustainability.
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Mayor Marcy Teodoro: Marikina’s Humble Leader with a Big Heart



Marikina City is known for its resilience, discipline, and strong sense of community. But beyond its famous shoemaking industry and well-maintained streets, the city thrives under the leadership of Mayor Marcy Teodoro. A public servant who leads with humility and dedication, Mayor Marcy has become a beloved figure among Marikeños, proving time and time again that good governance starts with genuine care for the people.

A Leader Who Listens

One of Mayor Marcy’s most admirable qualities is his accessibility to the people. Unlike traditional politicians who are often distant, he takes the time to walk through the streets, talk to residents, and personally check on the needs of his constituents. Whether it’s addressing flood control measures, improving public services, or ensuring the welfare of local businesses, Mayor Marcy is always on the ground, actively listening and responding to concerns.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

Marikina has faced its fair share of calamities, especially with its vulnerability to floods. However, under Mayor Marcy’s leadership, the city has become a model of disaster preparedness. His proactive approach—investing in early warning systems, strengthening evacuation protocols, and mobilizing quick response teams—has saved countless lives. During Typhoon Ulysses in 2020, he led rescue operations personally, showing his unwavering commitment to his people.

Education and Community Development

Mayor Marcy understands that education is a powerful tool for progress. His administration has continuously provided scholarships, improved school facilities, and ensured that teachers have the resources they need. Through various community programs, he also promotes livelihood opportunities and skills training, empowering Marikeños to build a better future for themselves and their families.

Keeping Marikina Clean and Green

One of the things that set Marikina apart from other cities is its cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces. Mayor Marcy has championed environmental initiatives, including waste management programs, tree-planting activities, and the preservation of the Marikina River Park. His efforts have not only kept the city beautiful but have also encouraged a culture of discipline and shared responsibility among residents.

A Mayor with a Heart

Beyond policies and projects, what makes Mayor Marcy truly special is his compassion. His leadership is not just about governance—it’s about making life better for every Marikeño. From personally assisting senior citizens to ensuring healthcare is accessible to all, he leads with empathy, reminding everyone that public service is about people first.

In a time where good leaders are hard to find, Mayor Marcy Teodoro stands as a beacon of hope and integrity. Marikina is lucky to have a mayor who not only dreams of a better city but works tirelessly to make it happen. And as long as he’s at the helm, there’s no doubt that Marikina will continue to flourish—one step, one project, and one heartfelt act of service at a time.
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CCIP, IPOPHL, and eCommerce giants join forces against online fakes

Friday, March 28, 2025


The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) has joined forces with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to intensify efforts in protecting intellectual property (IP) rights in the eCommerce space. In a landmark move, 18 CCIP member companies signed the E-Commerce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during CCIP’s 1st General Membership Meeting at the GG8 Building in San Juan City.

The agreement establishes a framework for closer coordination between brand owners and eCommerce platforms to curb the online sale of counterfeit and pirated products. By facilitating faster detection and takedown of IP-infringing content, the initiative strengthens industry-wide efforts to uphold product authenticity and consumer safety in the digital marketplace.

Among the companies that committed to the MOU are: Amway Philippines LLC; Chemworld Marketing Corp.; Chromaesthetics, Inc. Elegant Fumes Beauty Products, Inc.; Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc.; Green Cross, Inc.; GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc.; Ivy Andrea Beauty Corp.; JRadiance Corp.; Kimiki Solutions, Inc.; Personal Collection Direct Selling, Inc.; Prime Global Corp.; Rainiers Research & Development Institute, Inc.; Scentful Lifestyle Concepts OPC; Snoe Beaute Produits, Inc.; UL Skin Sciences, Inc.; Vivanti Executive Advantage, Inc.; Z Lab International Corp.

Under the MOU, CCIP member companies will work closely with eCommerce platforms, including TikTok Shop, Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora—who are also signatories—to swiftly remove listings of counterfeit cosmetics and personal care products. While IPOPHL is not a signatory to the MOU, it plays a key role as a facilitator in onboarding interested platforms, brand owners, and industry associations. Additionally, IPOPHL serves as the convener for an annual review and assessment of the MOU to evaluate its effectiveness.

“The rise of counterfeit products online poses a growing threat to both businesses and consumers. Through this partnership, we are taking a proactive stance in safeguarding brand integrity and ensuring that Filipinos have access to safe, authentic products,” said Dr. Janina Tan Rch, executive vice president for external affairs of CCIP.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in strengthening intellectual property enforcement in the cosmetics and personal care sector, reinforcing the industry's commitment to a fair and trustworthy digital marketplace.
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Online celebs share Smart ways to parent your kids in the digital age

Wednesday, March 26, 2025


While the internet provides kids with access to a wealth of educational materials, creative tools, and opportunities for connection, parents still need to guide their children to safely navigate the online world.

This is why Smart is strengthening its campaign for responsible digital parenting and child protection. Recently, it gathered parents who are also content creators for a ‘Family Day’ at its flagship store in Mandaluyong City to discuss and share their best practices when it comes to guiding their kids every time they go online.

The event coincided with the launch of the Smart Junior Plan, a first-of-its-kind postpaid plan designed to enable parents and their children to stay connected while providing access to a curated suite of kid-friendly apps and a safer browsing experience with PLDT and Smart’s Child Protection Platform.

Here are some insightful parenting tips mommies and daddies can adopt to keep their children safe in the digital space:

1. Set limits to screentime and guide them on what sites are safe to visit.

Louise Santos(@mommypracticality) has sons aged 8, 14, and 21. While her two boys in high school and college can now discern which sites are safe and not, her youngest son’s use of gadgets is still regulated.

“We really talk about the sites that they can visit or not,” she shares. “That also applies to us because we have to teach by example.”

For her part, preschool teacher Celine Cornejo (@teachercelineph), who has two boys and one girl aged 2, 10, and 12, restricts her children from using their mobile phones during school nights and only allows them access on a Friday, after school, until the weekend. “Kaya kapag Friday, excited na sila.”

Meanwhile, model-turned-host Kelly Misa-Fernandez (@kellymisa) shares her nine-year-old son has had access to the Internet since he was five “but very restricted.” “We would always be watching what he would consume online and nowadays since he has school and we want him to focus on school, weekends lang pwede, unless it’s a chill week,” she says.

2. Tell kids not to talk to strangers online.

Celine also taught her children not to share their personal information such as their names, address, contact details, and passwords. On top of this, she told them her boys, who are old enough to use gadgets to “never ever talk to strangers.”

“I always remind my kids that there are people out there, they pretend to be kids, that chat with you, but in reality, they are adults,” Celine shares.

3. Teach kids that not everything they read online is true.

Celine also had a tough discussion with her kids about looking up online on her health condition. “When I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, my husband and I talked to our kids. We told them that, ‘I know you guys are smart kids, but I know you tend to consult Dr. Google’,” she recalls.

“So, I told them that whatever you read online, it doesn’t mean that it will apply with my condition because each patient is unique. And Dr. Google, of course, is not my doctor. I have the best oncologist that they can talk to or consult with, or if they have any questions, they can ask us, their parents, so for our family, our digital measure also overlaps with our social net and emotional support,” she adds.

4. Connect before you correct.

Louise also underscored the importance of building trust with her children. “We go back to having a very honest, open communication where they see us, as parents, as their safety net. Parang tayo ‘yung safe place nila na they can call us on anything, everything kasi before you correct your children, you should first connect,” she said.

Events host Eri Neeman (@erineeman), who has an eight-year-old son, echoes Louise. “Kasi how can your children come to you kung takot siyang pumunta sa’yo? Like kung may masamang mangyari kasi parati mo siyang pinapagalitan, walang connection, walang relationship, how would I feel confident na pwedeng kausapin si Mommy, si Daddy?” Eri says.

He adds that parents also need to be self-aware and assess the parenting styles they might have inherited from their parents. “How can we heal and nurture this person kung ‘yung inner child natin hindi pa healed? Kasi you can’t pour from an empty cup, ‘di ba?”

5. Embrace technology and have fun with your kid in the digital world.

Robin Cruz, one half of the father-and-son duo of @anythingarticulated on TikTok, says that he uses the digital world to strengthen his bond with his eight-year-old kid, Gabe. “We do unboxing ng mga toys, ‘yun yung bonding namin. Ang rule lang namin, during lunch and dinner, no gadgets are allowed,” he shares.

“Na-su-supervise naman namin ano ‘yung nilalaro niya at pinapanood sa YouTube,” Robin says, who adds that him being an Elementary Education graduate also has prepared him for teaching his child, not only in academics, but also in having discipline for following rules.

Kelly relates to Robin, saying that she also geeks out with her kid. “So, when it comes to the games he plays, he likes Mario Bros. and I grew up with Mario Bros. ‘Buti na lang he likes it, hindi ko talaga pinilit, but he’s like obsessed,” she happily shares. Kelly also learned that her son is into ’80s music when she checked her Spotify playlist, another shared interest with her kid. “So parang it’s a positive spin for me, I take it in a very positive way, but I am aware na may mga scary things out there.”

Mommy content creator Ulya Nikita (@ulyanikitaa), who is navigating parenting as a young mom using digital tools, loves the idea that her six-year-old son can now chat with her online. “Parang kinikilig ako when I get a notification - what? That’s my baby!”

Ulya admits that she found playing with her son challenging at first. “As an adult, kids’ games can be repetitive, so I always look for different ways to enjoy playtime, like instead of traditional play I like looking for video games we can play together instead.

She also emphasizes having a direct line with your kid can give you peace of mind while recalling the time she could not contact her son’s adult companion. “There was a time I could not contact his companion, and it sent me panicking. So for your small child to be able to have access to a mode of communication to you, the parent, I feel like it is so, so important,” Ulya says.

Sign up for a Junior Plan now

Available as a supplementary line to Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plan 999 and up, the Junior Plan comes with monthly 10 GB open access data, Unli All-Net Calls and Texts, and unlimited access to the online learning platform Khan Academy, streaming apps YouTube [Kids] and Spotify, messaging apps Messenger [Kids] and Viber, and popular mobile gaming app Mobile Legends – all for only P499 per month.

The Junior Plan is made safer with Smart’s Child Protection Platform, a cybersecurity solution that works 24/7 to block access to illegal sites and links with inappropriate and abusive material, ensuring a more secure online experience for children.

In 2024, the Child Protection Platform blocked 1.6 million malicious sites and 1 million attempts by the users to try to access those sites. Smart has also blocked more than 1 million mobile numbers involved in phishing, SMShing, and Vishing activities.

“Technology is ever-evolving, and we recognize that Internet access comes with both benefits and risks, especially to children as vulnerable end-users. As a responsible provider of connectivity, we aim to undertake safety-by-design in our products. With our Smart Junior Plan, our goal is to keep families connected, while continuously promoting child protection and helping parents ensure a safer and better digital experience for their kids.”, said PLDT and Smart Chief Sustainability Officer Melissa Vergel de Dios.

The Junior Plan is backed by Smart’s superior mobile network, which empowers subscribers to upload and download heavy files in seconds, browse the web instantly, stream videos seamlessly, and enjoy lag-free mobile games. Know more about the Junior Plan at www.smart.com.ph/Postpaid.

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