Globe Telecom’s Bold Strategy Against Messaging Scams
In an innovative stride toward enhancing cybersecurity, Globe Telecom Inc. has officially announced the removal of clickable links from all messages sent to its customers.
This strategic decision is in direct response to a surge in spoofing incidents, where fraudsters impersonate Globe’s communication channels to deceive unsuspecting victims.
The announcement was made during a virtual briefing led by Darius Delgado, Globe’s consumer mobile business head, emphasizing the company’s unwavering commitment to its customers’ safety.
A Bold Move to Secure Customer Trust
Globe Telecom’s initiative to strip clickable links from its communications is not just a security measure; it’s a statement about the brand’s dedication to trust and reliability.
Delgado articulated this commitment, explaining,
Since last week, we have been removing all clickable links across messages we send to our customers, so that they are able to identify which messages are legit and which ones are spoofed… If there’s a clickable link, that’s not legit.
This new policy aims to simplify the identification of legitimate messages for Globe customers, significantly reducing the risk of falling victim to scam messages.
Combatting the Emerging Threat of IMSI Catchers
The briefing also highlighted the technological underpinnings of the fraudsters’ tactics, particularly the use of IMSI catchers or fake cell towers.
These illegal devices deceive mobile phones into connecting with them, allowing scammers to bypass Globe’s anti-spam filters and send spoofed messages.
Delgado underscored the gravity of this threat on a global scale and detailed Globe’s proactive approach to addressing it.
IMSI catchers are actually an emerging global threat with reported incidents around the world, and we have been working with partners to deliver a solution to this problem and, at the same time, collaborating with law enforcement agencies today to catch these culprits, he stated.
Reinforcing Telecommunications Security with the SIM Card Registration Act
This development aligns with the broader efforts to secure the telecommunications landscape in the Philippines, particularly through the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act.
This legislation mandates all public telecommunications entities to register SIM cards using valid identification, setting a deadline of July 25, 2023, for compliance to avoid deactivation.
The act, which came into effect on December 27, 2022, following President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s signature in October 2022, represents a significant milestone in the fight against telecommunications fraud and scamming activities.
Globe Telecom’s decision to eliminate clickable links from its customer messages marks a significant step forward in protecting consumers from the ever-evolving threats of digital fraud and impersonation.
By prioritizing customer security and working closely with law enforcement and technological partners, Globe continues to set the standard for trust and safety in the telecommunications industry.