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Monday, February 13, 2017

PH in Top 10 of Countries Under Malware Threats


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Microsoft Asia today released regional findings from the Security Intelligence Report (SIR), Volume 21, a twice yearly report that provides unique insights into the threat landscape to help organizations learn about trend data in industry vulnerabilities, exploits, malware and web-based attacks. The latest report identified Asia Pacific markets, especially the emerging ones, as among those at the highest risk of cybersecurity threats with three out of the top five global spots for rate of malware encounters in the region.

The new edition of the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report covers threat data from the first half of 2016, based on analysis of threat information from over a billion systems worldwide. Also included are longer term trend data and detailed threat profiles for over 100 individual markets and regions.

Out of the top five locations across the globe most at risk of infection, two are located in Southeast Asia, namely Vietnam and Indonesia. Both locations have a malware encounter rate of more than 45 percent in the second quarter of 2016, which is more than double the worldwide average of over 21 percent during the same period. The Philippines is #7 on the list with an encounter rates of 35.6%.

However, even markets in the region with higher levels of IT maturity such as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore have displayed malware encounter rates that are below the worldwide average, highlighting the diverse cybersecurity landscape in the Asia Pacific.

Top Markets in the Asia Pacific under Malware Threats:

1.     Mongolia
2.     Vietnam
3.     Pakistan
4.     Indonesia
5.     Nepal and Bangladesh

6.     Cambodia
7.     Philippines
8.     Thailand
9.     India
10.   Sri Lanka


11.   Malaysia
12.   Taiwan
13.   China
14.   Singapore
15.   Hong Kong


16.   South Korea
17.   Australia
18.   New Zealand
19.   Japan
Worms, Trojans and Malicious Websites are sources of malware:



The report showed that the top most encountered malicious software families in the country include:


· Gamarue, a worm which can give a malicious hacker control of your PC, steal information and change PC security settings. It is commonly distributed via exploit kits and social engineering and can also be attached to spam mails.

· Lodbak, a trojan that is usually installed on removable drives by Gamarue, and which attempts to install Gamarue when the infected removable drive is connected to a computer; and Peals, which displays trojan characteristics.

Attackers also often use websites to conduct phishing attacks or distribute malware. Malicious websites typically appear completely legitimate and often provide no outward indicators of their malicious nature, even to experienced computer users. In many cases, these sites are legitimate websites that have been compromised by malware, SQL injection, or other techniques, in an effort by attackers to take advantage of the trust users have invested in them.

Based on the report, the Philippines has 5.99 drive-by download pages per 1,000 URLs compared to the worldwide number at 0.55. Drive-by downloads are malware or threats downloaded from the Internet which are usually unintentional. For example, downloading an executable program or movie file without knowing the malware attached.

Atty. Raul Cortez who leads Corporate, External and Legal Affairs (CELA) at Microsoft Philippines said, “With increasing malware encounters and sophistication of cyberattacks, cybersecurity is becoming a mission critical priority for most organizations. It generally takes an average up to 200 days for organizations to find out that they have been breached. With no sign of abatement in the future, what companies need is a Secure Modern Enterprise posture, which involves well-integrated “Protect-Detect-Respond” investments and capabilities, with a strategic focus on the core pillars – Identity, Apps, Data, Infrastructure and Devices. Additionally, organizations should also strongly consider adopting trusted cloud-based services to enjoy the highest levels of data protection, leveraging the cloud provider’s enterprise-grade security and privacy expertise, assurances and certifications.”

Security teams should also keep abreast of changes in the threat landscape brought about by emergence of cloud computing. The latest report contains an expanded Featured Intelligence section that includes a deep dive section on Protecting cloud infrastructure: detecting and mitigating threats using Azure Security Center. This section details new threats that organizations may encounter and explains how they can use Azure Security Center to protect, detect, and respond to security threats against Azure cloud-based resources. Some of the new cloud-targeted threats outlined are:
· Pivot back attacks, which occurs when an attacker compromises a public cloud resource to obtain information that they then use to attack the resource provider’s on-premises environment

· “Man in the Cloud” attacks, in which an attacker induces a prospective victim to install a piece of malware using a typical mechanism, such as an email with a link to a malicious website. It then switches out the user’s cloud storage synchronization token with the attacker’s token, allowing the attacker to receive copies of each file the user places in cloud storage. This effectively makes the attacker a “man in the middle” for cloud storage.

· Side-channel attacks, where an attacker attempts to put a virtual machine on the same physical server as the intended victim. If he succeeds, the attacker will be able to launch local attacks against the victim. These attacks might include local DDoS, network sniffing, and man-in-the-middle attacks, all of which can be used to extract information.

· Resource ransom, where attackers hold cloud resource hostage by breaking into and controlling public cloud account, and then requiring the victim to pay a ransom to release encrypted or restricted resources.

Organizations need to ensure they have a robust cybersecurity posture to withstand and respond effectively to most cyberattacks and malware infections. Five best practices for improving defense against cybersecurity threats are:

· Ensure strong fundamentals: Use only genuine, current and updated software. The usage of IT assets which are old, unprotected, or are non-genuine in nature, substantially increase the chances for a cyberattack. For example, pirated and counterfeit software are known to come with embedded malware infections.

· Focus on cyber hygiene: Poor cyber hygiene of IT users, negligent employee behavior or weak credentials/password protection within an organization, adds a high degree of vulnerability for system compromise. With more and more personal devices being used at the workplace, the higher the chance they are infected.

· Have a data culture: Develop a big data analytics culture involving data classification, multifactor authentication, encryption, rights management, machine learning for behavioral analytics and log analytics to spot user anomalies and irregular or suspicious patterns, which could provide potential clues in advance to prevent impending or ongoing security breaches.

· Invest in a robust cyber defense ecosystem and monitor all systems in real time: Invest in trusted security solutions and modern threat protection technologies to monitor, detect and remove common and advanced cyber threats in real time, while developing in-house expertise to undertake threat analytics.

· Regular assessment, review and audit: Be comprehensive on all aspects of cybersecurity, not just technology. Have a IT trusted supply chain across cloud, software, hardware, Internet of Things, BYOD (bring your own device) and regularly review and assess cybersecurity investments and performance of both software and hardware deployment, including customer and vendor access to the corporate network.


Resources like the Security Intelligence Report are just one aspect of the Microsoft comprehensive approach to security – including a holistic platform, unique intelligence and broad partnerships – which is critical to enabling the digital transformation of leading organizations in Asia.

As part of Microsoft’s commitment to building trust in technology in the region, it launched its first combined Transparency Center and Cybersecurity Center in October 2016. Located in Singapore, the joint facility brings together Microsoft capabilities in a single location in Asia Pacific, to serve the security needs of the public and private sector and foster the building of a trusted and secure computing environment.

To download and learn more about the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report findings, visit www.microsoft.com/sir and the Microsoft Secure Blog.

Krissha Viaje Crowned Winner of GEM’s Search for Singing Talents in Asia


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Asian entertainment channel GEM concluded its search for singing talents in Asia with the crowning of Krissha Viaje from the Philippines as the winner in an audition held yesterday. Krissha beat 11 other finalists to win the top spot and the chance to take part in Nippon TV’s biannual singing competition programme I Can Sing in Japanese!.

Since the start of the online call for entries in December last year, the channel has seen overwhelming response from participants all over Asia, which indicates the widespread popularity of Japanese content in the region. From the entries, 12 finalists were handpicked and invited to attend an audition in Singapore. They are from Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

“Singing in Japanese is not easy so we were surprised by the high quality of entries across South East Asia. The overwhelming response from aspiring singers reflects the popularity of Japanese pop culture in this region. On behalf of GEM, I congratulate Krissha on being crowned the Asia finalist and wish her every success for the final round of I Can Sing in Japanese! in Tokyo. GEM, together with our partner and leading content producer, Nippon TV, will continue to deliver the latest entertainment from Japan and bring our viewers more on-ground, interactive experiences that will deepen their connection to Japan,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President & Head of Content, Production & Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

Yuji Gobuichi, the Japanese director and creator of the programme, also remarked: “We are very impressed by the immense talent we have seen in the entries from Asia. I believe that Krissha is the next big thing in the making and that the rest of the contestants are also ready to take on other global singing competitions.”

Seven Boys and Five Girls Off to Manila to Represent Mindanao in the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 National Training Camp


Wazzup Pilipinas!

A record-breaking 1,479 young athletes from all over Mindanao showed up at this year’s first Regional Selection Camp of Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska held February 11-12 at Xavier University.

After experiencing the various progressive basketball drills and scrimmages, Jezreel Aton, 13, of Bethel Baptist Christian Academy; Khen Caduyac, 13, and Stephen Jebson Garcia, 13, of Corpus Cristi; John Anthony Melgazo, 14, and Jerald Orestes, 13, of Bukidnon National Highschool; Geo Ramos, 13, of Xavier University and Maverick John Vieto, 13, of San Isidro College ruled the boys division while Louise Veronica Agad, 12, Ella Rae Amulato, 12, and Pauline Angelique Valle, 12, of Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive Highschool (MOGCHS); September Star Padla, 13, of Bukidnon State University; and Giordana Tagarda, 10, of City Central School are the girls who will represent Mindanao to the Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp in Manila this May 12-14.

These 12 young ballers excelled in the skills stations and exhibition games, exemplifying the Jr. NBA core S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect throughout the camp. The Jr. NBA committee headed by Jr. NBA Coach Craig Brown evaluated the regional finalists.

“These kids in Cagayan De Oro listen extremely well and play hard,” said Jr. NBA Coach Craig Brown. “If they continue to work on the fundamentals that we worked on here over the last two days and really stay committed to the S.T.A.R values which they exuded here this weekend, I think the sky is the limit for these young people.”

Some of the young athletes who participated in the two-day camp travelled all the way from Bukidnon, Butuan, Misamis Occidental and Zamboanga for the opportunity to be selected and advance to the next stages of the league’s global youth basketball participation program.

Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska Regional Selection Camp’s next stop will be Lucena (Feb. 25-26) followed by Cebu (March 11-12) and Manila (April 1-2). Boys and girls ages 10-14 can still register to the free youth basketball program at www.jrnba.asia/philippines, where the program terms and conditions can be found.

Fans can also follow Jr. NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines. For all things NBA, fans can visit www.nba.com, like the NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/philsnba and follow www.twitter.com/nba_philippines on Twitter.

To learn more about the Alaska Milk Corporation, visit www.alaskamilk.com and www.playph.com.

Anton Del Rosario Now Booked for Neymar Jr’s Signature Football Tournament!


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Neymar Jr’s Five is the Brazilian forward’s signature football tournament – and a truly global phenomenon. Across six continents and more than 50 countries, five-a-side teams battle it out in 10-minute matches with a twist. Every time one team scores, the opposition loses a player, which makes it fast, technical, tactical – and unique in the world of football. More than 65,000 players from 47 countries signed up to play in the first year of Neymar Jr's Five and 2017 promises to be even bigger.

Neymar Jr’s Five is coming to Manila for three consecutive Saturday’s of non-stop action! Already enlisted for Neymar Jr’s Five is Filipino football superstar, Anton Del Rosario. Since coming into the local scene in 1999, Anton Del Rosario has become one of the most prolific names in Filipino football having served as right back for Loyola Meralco Sparks FC, Kaya FC, and the Philippine National Team (Azkals).

Neymar Jr’s 5 has opened up more registrations slots and will remain open until February 15 for Qualifier A, and until February 22 for Qualifier B. 


The tournament is open to teams of five to seven players aged 16 to 25, and for the first time, two over-aged players are allowed in the squad. Competing teams will need to have their Philippine passports on stand-by when registering. The teams will set out with the hope of making it to the World Final in 2017, at the Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr in Praia Grande, Brazil.

Qualifying rounds will happen on two back-to-back Saturdays; February 18th and 25th, with the finals taking place on the 4th of March – all to be held at SPARTA Philippines in Mandaluyong.




Sign your team up now – and who knows, you could soon be playing on Neymar Jr’s home turf. Dare to dream, and outplay them all!

FB Event Page: win.gs/neymarjrsfiveph
Registration: www.neymarjrsfive.com

FamilyMart has all the Feels for February


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Customers are sure to feel the love with FamilyMart’s celebrations this month. That sweet daily treat for you or that special someone is just around the corner at your favorite convenience store.

With over a hundred branches and growing in the Philippines, you can find a FamilyMart in your area, offering ease, convenience, and quality products that make your day better. Where else will you be welcomed like family, and even have fantastic surprises for February?

Move over diamonds, because girls—and guys—have a new best friend. Swarovski Charms make perfect gifts for your valentine, your mom, your friends, or even yourself. The best part is that they’re available at FamilyMart stores for just P79 each, with bracelets at P199.

Indulge in a classic combination by taking advantage of FamilyMart’s chocolate and wine promos this whole month. Get a free wine glass, teddy bear, or discounts on select wine bottles, and pair it with discounted imported chocolates such as Reese’s and Cadbury.

On top of that, all purchases made with your Snap Card will earn you points to redeem exciting rewards. If you happen to choose any of the participating items this month and earn an extra 50 bonus points.

Under Armour Searches for New Batch of Pinoy Representatives for Second Annual "Test of Will"


Wazzup Pilipinas!

Under Armour, the leading developer, marketer, and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear, equipment, and connected fitness platforms, will hold its second installment of the Southeast Asia-wide fitness challenge dubbed “Test of Will” this summer.

The inaugural Test of Will had a successful and promising turnout last year, with two Filipino athletes Zoe Pond-McPherson and Noelle Wenceslao emerging victorious in the exciting and heart-pumping competition.

In search of a new batch to don the Philippine colors on the thrilling Test of Will stage, Under Armour will hold a national heat at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City on the 25th and 26th of March 2017.

Pushing the outer limits of strength and endurance, will-driven Pinoys (21yrs old and above) will have to compete in a four-minute intense course that requires them to complete 60 seconds of four exercises such as burpees, one-arm thrusters, TRX row and sandbag throw.

Top male and female will get the opportunity to represent the Philippines in the Test of Will final round, which is set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this coming 6th of May.

Aside from the Philippines, countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei and Indonesia will also be hosting their own qualifiers.

A total of 12 competitors from the six aforementioned nations will go head-to-head inside the highly-touted structure, which contains different fitness zones with calisthenic exercises.

A cash prize of $2,500 and Under Armour gears await the overall winner of the second-annual Test of Will.

Registration for Test of Will 2017 is now open. Make sure to follow Under Armour Philippines via @underarmourph on Instagram and Twitter for updates as well as Facebook at www.facebook.com/underarmoursea.

StartUp Village: Newest Incubator/Accelerator in the Philippines


Wazzup Pilipinas!

“It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” 

This African Proverb is most applicable in the startup ecosystem. With all the support needed to grow a company, you need the entire village to help you grow.

Leading Entrepreneurs To Seize Global Opportunities
(LET’S GO) Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization that advocates entrepreneurship is launching an incubator/accelerator called StartUp Village. The newly built facilities that help startups are located at 5th floor, The City Club, Alphaland Makati Place.

Founded in 2001 by Prof. Francisco “Jay” Bernardo III, LET’S GO Foundation envisions itself to be the catalyst and the avenue in which entrepreneurship will lead the way to uplift the country’s economy and the quality of life of each individual. Its objective is to foster an entrepreneurial culture that will maximize individual and collective economic and social success both in local and global scales.

LET’S GO has various programs. LET’S GO has been involved in Training of Startups, Teachers, SMEs, SME Counselors; Integration of Entrepreneurship in the National Secondary Curriculum; Helping Employees Become Entrepreneurial; Bringing Entrepreneurship to the Masses; EntrepAsia – Taking Entrepreneurs to Asia; Materials/Curriculum Development; and Research.

LET’S GO has partnered with various organizations/institutions over the years. It has partnerships with (insert some partners) DepEd, DTI, ILO, GONEGOSYO, etc.

LETS GO Foundation’s vision of taking Filipino Entrepreneurs global is manifested through StartUp Village.

Game of Seasons: Strategizing Seasonal Product Marketing Tactics


Wazzup Pilipinas!

On February 17, 2017 (Friday), the House Productions will be conducting a seminar entitled as GAME OF SEASONS: “Strategizing Seasonal Product Marketing Tactics“ at the P.U.P. Bulwagang Balagtas, NALLRC, is an open and free admission marketing seminar of House Productions that tackles subjects or topics regarding the challenges and risks of seasonal product marketing. This seminar will consist on various segments like talks from guest speakers and Question and Answer sessions. This seminar also has the following objectives:

· To provide marketing students a comprehensive understanding of seasonal product marketing.
· To encourage students to implement seasonal product marketing as a business strategy.
· To educate the audience through various speeches, presentations, and other activities from distinguished guest speakers/corporate partners.

This seminar will inform marketers how different products strategize their tactics upon demands every season and show how the corporate world really works from professional guest speakers from leading brands and companies from different product industries in the Philippine market. To help them pursue their marketing career and give them significant marketing knowledge that may help them in whatever marketing path they will take after graduation.

The registration will start at 11:00 AM until 12:59 PM and followed by the event proper at 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM. Specifically, this seminar plans to invite a total of 800 student attendees from the Marketing Department including the faculties, alumnus of the department, guest speakers, corporate partners as well as students from other College and Universities inside Metro Manila.

The House Productions, is a service-oriented and non-profit organization are required to promote academic excellence and competence to our fellow PUP marketing students with a total population 1800 students and among the business related.

DICT Digital TV Summit and Launch of the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) Migration Plan


Wazzup Pilipinas!

On 14-15 February 2017, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will launch the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) Migration Plan in a 2-day Digital TV Summit to be held at Novotel Manila Araneta Center Cubao, Quezon City.


The Event
The first day of the Digital TV Summit is dedicated for the launching of the DTTB Migration Plan and the Ceremonial Digital TV Switch On. Partners from the broadcast industry are expected to grace the event to express their support and commitment in the comprehensive national implementation of the DTTB Migration Plan.

Moreover, exhibitors from different segments of the broadcast sectors (production, manufacturing, and content) will showcase emerging trends in Digital TV to educate the public on the latest Digital TV technology available in the market.

On the second day of the summit, experts from local and international broadcast firms will exchange best practices and knowledge regarding the current trends in the production, transmission, policy, and regulations that concern the transition from analog to Digital TV.


The Plan
The DICT’s DTTB Migration Plan consists of comprehensive policies and regulations as well as technical and fiscal considerations necessary for the Philippine’s migration to digital TV broadcasting.

The implementation of the DTTB Migration Plan will ensure smooth transition from analog to digital that will later on lead to a complete Analog Switch Off (ASO). This shall be done through partnership with National Government Agencies such as National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for implementation and regulation, Department of Finance (DOF) for funding, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for giving incentives to small scale broadcasters, Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) for e-waste management, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for economic impact, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for financial subsidy in purchasing digital set top boxes.

A better Philippines in terms of broadcasting can only be achieved when there is collaboration among the government, its stakeholders, civil organizations, and private industries.

Cusi: DOE Overseeing Earthquake Power Rehab Efforts, Fuel Price Freeze


Wazzup Pilipinas!

In the light of the magnitude 6.7 earthquake that hit Surigao province on Friday, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi today joined President Rodrigo Duterte and other cabinet members in extending the necessary assistance to all affected communities and individuals.

“We are looking into the extent of the damages caused by the earthquake. We are addressing the immediate needs and concerns of our people on energy," said Secretary Cusi, who stressed "safety is the top priority."

"We have to ensure an adequate, reliable and secure supply of energy and to execute fair pricing of petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG),” added Cusi.

Cusi said his department is closely monitoring the power restoration efforts being conducted by the Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURNECO).

According to a National Electrification Administration’s report, 95% of SURNECO’s franchise area has been restored by11:00 p.m. last night.

The effort has so far energized the primary lines of Surigao City and all the municipalities of the province while the remaining 5% is still being addressed by the electric cooperative.

SURNECO also reported the damage on its main office building, necessitating the transfer to their old building and covered court.

Earlier, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines reported that there is no earthquake-related damage or sustained fault on transmission facilities.

For the petroleum and oil products, the DOE has reiterated the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 10623 which imposes a "price freeze" on certain LPG and kerosene products being sold in the areas affected by the calamity.

“With the declaration of a State of Calamity, government will impose a price freeze on basic energy commodities for 15 days, particularly for kerosene and household LPG," said Cusi.

“In order to effectively ensure the supply of petroleum products, oil companies are obliged to update the DOE of the operational status of their depots and gasoline stations within the areas to stabilize the supply and reduce chances of individuals who are taking advantage of the oil situation,” he added.

“The DOE assures everyone that it will remain to be vigilant in protecting the interest of the public, " Sec Cusi concluded.
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