Since last year, AirAsia Philippines introduced its collaboration with different online merchants to bring convenience for its passengers when navigating online. With Super App, the airline is now bringing the ultimate digital experience of travel and lifestyle, not only in the Philippines; but also to the rest of the ASEAN.
To combat COVID-19, contactless transactions are now being implemented in all aspects.
This has triggered businesses to switch on digital mode to continue their service. The Philippines is not the only one who’s experiencing difficulties regarding this transformation but also the rest of the world.
Based on datareportal.com, an average Filipino spends 4 hours and 15 minutes each day on the internet which results in an increase of the number of internet users by 4.2 million in the mid-year of 2020 and 2021. January last year, the number of Filipino internet users topped at 73.91 million while mobile internet users reached 152.4 million.
How does Cybercrime work?
Cyberattacks can now be compared to COVID-19. You don’t see it but it exists. I got hacked a few times, no matter how I kept my details in private and I still wonder how they do that. The danger it brings develops threat until it mutates to your data. Through the power of social engineering and artificial intelligence, attackers can circumvent your traditional data security controls, in a snap of time.
“Cybersecurity is everyone’s concern. It is a known fact that most of the systems are already fortified with enough security features; from the people that manage them, down to the individual applications. Sad to say, the weakest link in upholding cyber security is still the end user. No matter how secure the systems are, the users’ activities are the ones that cause most of the data breaches.” Crimen said.
As more people and businesses engaged online, so the cybercrime activities. Phishing, smishing, vishing are few on the list of crimes flaunting online. Most of their targets are bank clients, credit card holders, e-wallet accounts, and e-commerce users.
Your details being compromised online opens to the possibility of long-term problems accessing your accounts whether finances or social media.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division reported a 200% increase of crimes against phishing and other online crimes during the pandemic of March 2020 while PNP Cybersecurity Group recorded a 37% increase of cybercrimes from March to September last year.
Know more about AirAsia’s ABC on Cybersecurity
In line with the National Cyber Security month, AirAsia PH launched the “ABC on Cybersecurity”, on Saturday, September 9 to advocate its netizens to get cybersecurity checked whenever they logged in to the Internet.
A – Awareness: Users need to be aware of what they are posting online when they perform this activity, where they are transacting, and what (website) they are accessing.
Netizens should equip themselves with enough knowledge on information security to avoid falling victim to fraud and cybercrime. Read, research, and always keep in mind the knowledge you gain whenever online. Always be vigilant.
B – Behavior: Users need to be conscious to be Cybersafe. DO NOT share your password, unique codes, OTP, and other unique codes online. Use strong passwords for your accounts and regularly change them.
Always be conscious of the hyperlinks you are accessing. DO NOT just click on those tick boxes and read the details first. Remember, banks and other establishments do not usually ask for information that can lead to the vulnerability of your profile. Always check if you are accessing the correct website before clicking anything inside it.
C – Control: Users need to have control over their activities – online and offline. Credit card fraud can also happen when you absentmindedly give your credit card and do not see what and where they swipe it.
Credit card information can also be captured offline and used online without you knowing it.
DO NOT give confidential information readily. Verify the transaction email and other activities using other means like a simple phone call to check if the message is authentic. Secure your account, password, and even your files. Manage the things you can control.
As to AirAsia PH ICT Head Dennis Crimen, the alarming threat to cybersecurity led the airline to take action.
At present, AirAsia Super App has now thousands of users in the Philippines. It has recorded 5,000 monthly app downloads in smartphones, and 640,000 user visits for the app.
Here’s to remind you, as a friend
Remember, not because it’s convenient does not mean that it’s safe. With a healthy reminder from AirAsia PH, value your safety online. Establish a good habit of using the Internet by safeguarding your personal details.
There’s an undeniable fact how the digital era is shaping the present and the future. From lifestyle to communication almost everything seems to be reachable. It connects people and businesses; seeing world-class entertainment while sipping coffee on your couch; the idea of exploring and bringing the world right at your fingertips. We are so privileged. No wonder, this is the greatest invention in human history ever.
