Globe has revealed that it blocked over 32.2 million scam and spam text messages with clickable links in just two weeks after implementing its unprecedented measure against all person-to-person SMS (Short Message Service) with URLs (Uniform Resource Locators).
According to Globe, this figure covers September 28, 2022, when it started enforcing the stringent measure, until October 13. This means the telco blocked 2.4 million text messages with clickable links on average every day within that period.
Anton Bonifacio, Globe's Chief Information Security Officer, said that the amount of text messages with clickable links they blocked within two weeks "shows the staggering number of spam and scam SMS that disrupt and threaten customers every day." He added that this is empirical proof that their security measure was warranted.
Globe began blocking SMS with clickable URLs in the last week of September in response to escalating spam and scam messages, particularly those containing the full names of mobile users.
Globe is the first and only telco to proactively block all person-to-person SMS with clickable links, a first in the industry. It will remain in effect until the implementation of the SIM Registration Act.
From the beginning of the year to the end of September, Globe blocked 1,3 billion spam and phishing messages, a new record. This exceeds the full-year total for 2021 (January to December) of 1.15 billion.
Over the course of nine months, the monthly total of blocked SMS has risen sharply by 295.74%, from 68.34 million in January to 270.5 million in September.
Under the unprecedented new security measure, all SMS from all networks containing clickable links are blocked. This has compelled fraudsters to create their scam messages in new ways, demonstrating the effectiveness of the blocking measure.
Bonifacio also reminded Globe subscribers "to remain vigilant as fraudsters will continue to find ways to circumvent measures that aim to thwart them." He further said: "do not engage with SMS from anonymous sources making enticing offers."
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Globe has spent USD 20 million (roughly PHP 1.1 billion) to date to improve its detection and blocking of spam and scam SMS messages. In the meantime, its Security Operations Center works around the clock to filter out these unwanted messages, including app-to-person and person-to-person SMS from international and domestic sources.
Globe also advised its customers to visit its Stop Spam portal (https://ift.tt/oWD06bH) to report spam and scam messages they receive.
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