Telco Boosts Multi-Layered Defenses Against Scams

MANILA, Philippines — Every time the telecommunications industry closes one avenue for scammers, cybercriminals look for another. As providers strengthen safeguards against spoofed SMS, malicious links and SIM-based fraud, scammers continue to adapt their tactics, making the fight against digital fraud an ongoing effort rather than a one-time solution. "Scammers are constantly looking for new ways to reach potential victims. As the industry strengthens controls against one type of attack, we often see fraudsters shift to different tactics and platforms," said Garrett Silao, chief information security officer at Globe. "This is why anti-scam efforts cannot rely on a single solution. It requires continuous innovation, collaboration and public awareness." Over the years, Globe said it has steadily strengthened its defenses against digital scams through measures such as securing enterprise sender IDs, blocking malicious links, detecting SIM box operations and using network analytics to identify suspicious activity. These initiatives have helped reduce common SMS-based scams that previously targeted millions of mobile users. As traditional attack methods become harder to execute, scammers have begun adopting more sophisticated techniques. One example is the use of illegal IMSI Catchers, or fake cell towers, which trick nearby mobile devices into connecting to them instead of legitimate cellular infrastructure. Unlike spoofed SMS messages that originate within messaging systems, IMSI catchers exploit cellular networks by broadcasting a stronger signal that tricks nearby phones into automatically connecting to them and bypassing security controls.. While these devices operate differently from conventional scams, they reinforce a broader reality: cybercriminals continuously adjust their methods as security measures improve. To keep pace with these evolving threats, Globe said has adopted a multi-layered approach that combines network protection, threat intelligence, industry collaboration and customer education. The company said it works closely with enterprise partners to secure legitimate messaging channels, proactively blocks known phishing websites, and shares intelligence with financial institutions, government agencies, and law enforcement to help detect and respond to emerging threats more quickly. Globe added that it has expanded its consumer protection efforts beyond technical safeguards. Through initiatives such as Go Safe with Globe, Scam Shield on the GlobeOne app, customer advisories and digital literacy campaigns, the company continues to equip Filipinos with practical knowledge to recognize and avoid scams before they cause harm. "Technology plays a critical role in protecting customers, but awareness is equally important," Silao said. "The more informed people are about how scams work, the more difficult it becomes for fraudsters to succeed. Protecting consumers is a shared responsibility that requires industry, government, and the public to work together." As scams become more sophisticated, Globe said continues to invest in stronger defenses while working alongside partners across the public and private sectors to stay ahead of emerging threats. The company encourages customers to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited messages, requests for sensitive information, or offers that create a false sense of urgency, and to report suspicious activity through official channels to help protect others from becoming victims.