SophosLabs Research Finds “Designer” Cyber Threats on the Rise

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Sophos, a global leader in network and endpoint security, today revealed SophosLabs research that indicates a growing trend among cybercriminals to target and even filter out specific countries when designing ransomware and other malicious cyberattacks. The research includes information from millions of endpoints worldwide and is analyzed by the team at SophosLabs.

To lure more victims with their attacks, cybercriminals are now crafting customized spam to carry threats using regional vernacular, brands and payment methods for better cultural compatibility, according to Sophos.

Ransomware cleverly disguised as authentic email notifications, complete with counterfeit local logos, is more believable, highly clickable and therefore more financially rewarding to the criminal. To be as effective as possible, these scam emails now impersonate local postal companies, tax and law enforcement agencies and utility firms, including phony shipping notices, refunds, speeding tickets and electricity bills. SophosLabs has seen a rise in spam where the grammar is more often properly written and perfectly punctuated.

“You have to look harder to spot fake emails from real ones,” said Chester Wisniewski, senior security advisor at Sophos. “Being aware of the tactics used in your region is becoming an important aspect of security.”

The Launch of the New MINI Convertible

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Your Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas was invited to attend the launch of the new MINI convertible,  the only premium convertible in the small car segment that offers a refreshing open-top driving experience on all four seats. held on April 5, 2016 at the MINI showroom in Bonifacio Global City.

MINI Asia and MINI Philippines says it is available in two variants: MINI Cooper Convertible S and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. What was unveiled to us during the launch was the former in a stunning chili red color. Now, is this something fiery to drive during the scorching summer heat in the Philippines? Why not! Who cares about the heat when we could look fabulously good driving the MINI Convertible. 

Seriously, we can easily put on the car roof for the sunny or rainy days, and only partially open it during days when you just want to feel the natural blow of the wind instead of the air-conditioning. But when the breeze is cool, just like the MINI Convertible, we can fully open up the top for a more refreshing drive around everywhere, within the metro or at the provinces.

Shockvertising: Anti-Duterte TV Advertisement Infuriates Public for Exploiting Children

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Who created and paid for this Anti-Duterte TV advertisement using children to convey the impending threat to society?

Some say that "The children are saying things that are true. They were not made to lie. Besides children have been used and abused a lot in the media especially those stupid drama series. Why complain when children say the truth? Because Duterte is offended and is such a drama queen?" and that "The words that were said on the TV ad came from Duterte himself."

Below are some of the thoughts coming from different people that I gathered from my social media timelines. I selected those whose ideas seems agreeable to what I would like to also share to my readers, but there are also points that I included to be fair and somewhat bring out some humor to this chaotic pre-election season.

"The shockvertising aired last night proves one thing. Mas madami talaga nanonood sa ABS-CBN. Everybody's ganging up against ABS while reports say it was also shown on other channels."

I actually saw it already a few days before from somewhere which I could not remember. But my reaction was pale in comparison to what I am seeing now on my social media timelines.

In a tweet from MTRCB, they inform the general public that it is the COMELEC which has sole jurisdiction to regulate political TV ads under the Fair Elections Act.

"In a statement, ABS-CBN said it had nothing to do with the production of the political ad, and that it was "duty bound to air a legitimate ad."

"The controversial political advertisement being talked about in social media, which aired on ABS-CBN, was produced and paid for by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV. Prior to the airing, ABS-CBN’s ethics committee reviewed the content of the material, which complies with the requirements of pertinent election laws," the company said.

ABS-CBN pointed out that Commission on Elections' (COMELEC) guidelines prohibit radio and television stations from discriminating against any candidate or political party in the sale of air time.

"By airing the said commercial, ABS-CBN is being consistent with COMELEC guidelines, which prohibit radio or television stations to discriminate in the sale of air time against any political party or candidate. We are duty bound to air a legitimate ad."

An audio version of the negative ad has been airing on radio stations.

A different negative ad about Duterte also began airing on GMA Network on Thursday. "