Tech Giants: Arbiters Of Truth

The US president accused the tech giant of "stifling the truth."

According to Twitter spokesperson Katie Rosborough, the tweets were labelled because they contain “potentially misleading information about voting processes.” 

Even Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey explained that labeling two of President Donald Trump's tweets with fact checks does not make the social media company an "arbiter of truth." Dorsey assumed accountability for Twitter’s actions and said, "There is someone ultimately accountable for our actions as a company, and that's me.” 

Mark Zuckerberg said that "I just believe strongly that Facebook shouldn't be the arbiter of truth of everything that people say online."

On this issue, I would take the side of Twitter providing it's users guidance to know the facts and make informed choices or opinions. Fact-checking should be in the DNA of tech giants whose platforms have a global reach and influence. 

Zoom addresses data privacy issues

With the continuing challenges of the pandemic, companies have allowed, encouraged or forced employees to work from home. Safety has become the mantra of many companies. But not all homes are equipped with the tools to enable productivity and efficiency of remote work.

 

Employees who work from home need a range of tools and technology. It starts with one’s internet connection which can get crowded with all other devices from family members connected. Often, I would tell my kids to shut down Netflix so I can have more bandwidth. Still, I would need to upgrade my Sky Broadband internet connection as soon my kids would also be studying from home. 

 

At least my MacBook Pro is still up to the challenge and is proof that technology works. I have deleted many files and documents, and even Rafa’s Minecraft app to allow more space. Still, I would need a new external drive.

 

Remote work has made Zoom part of the new normal around work collaboration tools. But even Zoom faced some recent challenges. Have you heard of “zoombombing?”

According to www.howtogeek.com, “Zoombombing” is when an uninvited person joins a Zoom meeting. Aren’t they like trolls? Zoombombers often share pornographic photos, throw in racial slurs and find ways to disrupt technology.

 

Photo from https://screenrant.com/zoom-bombing-report

Zoom zoomed in to address the issue. Even, Eric Yuan, Zoom’s chief executive, apologized. He said the recent problems are been addressed. Data privacy issues have been raised against Zoom. 

In a Zoom blog published last 8 April 2020, Yuan said, “We are committed to ensuring that the safety, privacy, and security of our platform is worthy of the trust of all of our users — both new and existing.”

 

If data is secured and protected, then, technology works.

Cashless transactions amidst the pandemic

With social distancing rules being strictly enforced around the country, technology is helping us navigate through the pandemic to keep us safe from the COVID-19 virus,

We all have seen the increasing use of cashless and contactless payment systems. eWallets are becoming more popular as they function like a debit card or credit card. This can be easy used in online purchase and retail establishments. 

Globe claims that GCash "has made financial transactions easier for its 20 million registered users. And with over 63,000 partner merchants in the country, it truly has helped revolutionize the way Filipinos transact." Yes, from bills payments to online shopping, GCash and other forms of eWallets have provided convenience to millions of Filipinos.

Cashless transactions are adjusting to changing consumer habits like refusing to handle cash. I am sure you have gone through a McDonald's or Jollibee drive-thru and the cashier would give you a small basket to place your cash. Yes, there is the fear that cash can carry the virus. But health and medical experts say there is little data to support this fear. Still, better safe than sorry. So, we better bring out our eWaller.

According to a Bloomberg story by Linda Poon, "The cashless economy may accelerate even faster in countries where pre-pandemic adoption was already high — like in Sweden, where some 80% of the population pay predominantly by card and just 1.3% of the country’s GDP is circulated in cash."

According to the 2016 Visa’s Consumer Payment Attitudes Survey, results revealed 49% of Filipinos are carrying more cards and 29% carry less cash since they consider e-payments safer than carrying cash.

The study also showed that 71% of Filipinos shop online at least once a month. This is up 11 percent compared to the previous year, as online platforms  like Carousell, Lazada and Shopee continue to enjoy increasing patronage.

The results of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) FIS, revealed that Filipino adults who own accounts grew to 29% in 2019 from 23% in 2017. "The number of Filipino adults who are unbanked is estimated at 51.2 million, out of a total adult population of 72 million in 2019," says the BSP.

But would you believe that EMV technology was only implemented in 2017 in our country in 2017 while other countries have had it in place ten years ago?

With the primary concern of people and companies quickly evolving to focus on health and safety, we can say that cashless transactions will be an integral part of the new normal. 

Hopefully, financial institutions like banks would be more accommodating and flexible with their own regulations to bring more Filipinos to go cashless. And paperless too!

Most Popular Social Networks from 2003 to 2019

It is amazing how social networks have evolved for the past several years. This video is from Data Is Beautiful You Tube Channel.

One can see some Chinese companies crawling up in search like Qzone which is China's Facebook and challenging tech giants like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Qzone begun in April 2005 as part of the Tencent Holdings s a Chinese multinational holding company founded in 1998. This company has subsidiaries in various segments such as artificial intelligence, internet services to entertainment in China and many countries.

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Growth of TikTok and Data Privacy

My daughter, Angel, is a fan of TikTok. She has been accessing TikTok through my old Samsung phone. And often shows me the short videos that she has created.

While it has experienced growth as teens and kids having more free time on their hands through summer vacation, internet and data privacy advocates are quick to call the attention of tech giants when data protection is placed at risk.

Even the US Department of Defense has to encourage its employees to avoid installing the app on their smartphones. CNN Business reports that "US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle warn that the app could pose a national security risk, and are calling on regulators and intelligence agencies to investigate TikTok's ties to China. 

In response, Sean Kim, Head of Product, TikTok US, in it's corporate website, says, "TikTok is committed to building an experience that protects the safety and privacy of our community."

Roland Cloutier, TikTok's Chief Information Security Officer, says, "Building technology security defenses is a constant effort to anticipate, plan, and react. What has been clear since I started this job almost three months ago is that the team at TikTok is fully committed to protecting the privacy of our users and providing transparency on our overall security efforts."

Technology works only when the user's data privacy is upheld and protected.

Tech Giants of 2018

Here are the top 20 internet leaders of 2018 as published in www.visual capitalist.com last 6 July 2018.

Maybe as I would have expected, Apple leads with a value of US$915 billion, followed by Amazon and Alphabet. Not many know that Alphabet is the parent company of Google, after Google restructured in 2015. The top guns at Google assumed leadership roles with Larry Page as CEO and Sergey Brin as president.

 You can see a few Chinese companies like Alibaba, Bai and Xiomi in this list. But am happy to see that Netflix is on that list.

77% of Filipinos still unbanked

The recently released 2017 Financial Inclusion Survey (FIS) reports that 77% of Filipinos still unbanked. That is still a whole lot of Filipinos who are into the banking system. Only 15.8 million adult Filipinos, or 22.6 percent, have bank accounts. 

Other findings are:

1. The breakdown of 22.6 percent of adults who do own bank accounts shows 11.5% of them are in the formal banking sector, 8.1%are in non-government microfinance organizations, 2.9% are in cooperatives, and 0.3% are in non-stock savings and loan associations.

2. The top reason given for having bank accounts is to save in case of an emergency (42%), followed by saving for an education (31%), for business (29%), for safekeeping (23%) and as a form of investment (12%)

3. Around 52.8 million, or 77.4 percent, remain unbanked, citing reasons like lack of funds to put into a bank account or lack of documentary requirements. Or maybe, Filipinos still find many banks intimidating.

Opening a bank account can be made a simple and less intimidating process. And even, make it paperless.

Only if technology works to bring more financial inclusiveness for unbanked Filipinos.

Easily express ourselves

Before the norm was 140 characters. 

We were forced to be more concise and brief within 140 characters for a tweet. Every character counts. Brevity was key. It was a challenge to consolidate one's thought in 140 characters that sometimes, users like me would abandon scribbling a tweet.

Last November 7, Twitter announced the change in character count, which wouldn't affect Chinese, Korean and Japanese users as their characters can convey more meaning in a single character.

With 330 million users, Twitter still lags behind Facebook with more than 2 billion (yes, 2 billion users) and even Instagram which is pushing towards 800 million users.

Maybe, the expanded character count would bring in new users and spread more positivity online. Yes, we can criticise and critique and express our opinion via tweets. But do we need to be racists? Bigots? With positivity, technology can work. 

Origins of Twitter

Ten years ago, the first ever tweet came from Jack Dorsey last 22 March 2006. He is the co-founder and CEO of Twitter.  He was inspired by inspired in part by LiveJournal and by AOL Instant Messenger to develop a Web-based realtime status/short message communication service.

 

Together with Biz  Stone, they co-founded Twitter. Stone was previously the creative director of Xanga. Remember Xanga? I do. I think I even had a profile. It was one of the early social networking sites in the early 2000, before it became a Facebook world.

 

Today, Twitter is a microblogging and social networking platform which allows users post and interact with messages known as "tweets.” Noah Glass and Evan Williams joined Dorsey and Stone in March 2006 to start Twitter.

 

Dorsey would later explain the origins of Twitter. “

 

Some stories credit the name of Noah Glass. According to a Business Insider story, Dorsey had an idea for “a completely different product that revolved around "status" — what people were doing at a given time.” In an interview with Alexis Madrigal of The Atlantic, last 14 April 2011, Glass says it was he who came up with the name "Twttr."  "I spent a bunch of time thinking about it." Eventually, the name would become Twitter. 

The story further describes Glass passion. “No one at Odeo was more passionate about Twitter in the early days than Odeo's co-founder, Noah Glass.”

 

All these men have contributed to how technology works 

Heroes of August 2012

With bad weather we have been having the past few days, social media has kept us connected. Through Facebook or Twitter, many Filipinos have kept themselves updated not only about the weather condition in various parts of the country but how everyday Filipinos are working against the rains, the floods and the wind to be their own kind of heroes in their own communities. There are many stories of heroism from the rescue of residents stranded in their homes in Provident Village to toddlers being rescued in the flooded barangays around Pampanga.

To the many unknown Filipinos who have risked their lives these past few days, many you be blessed with HIS blessings of life!

War Of Talents

The Philippines has already built a reputation as a preferred off-shoring destination in the world. Growth of the sector continued through 2008 and 2009 and this helped the Philippine economy stay afloat during the global financial crisis.
According to Gaurav Gupta, country head for India of the US-based Everest Group, the industry has registered a compounded annual growth rate of 30 percent since 2006, with an estimated $9 billion in revenue this year. “The Philippines has clearly established itself as number 2 next to India,” says Gupta.

(Photo by Chary Chu)
At 2nd International Outsourcing Summit, held last 26 – 27 Oct. 2010, industry leaders discussed a range of issues facing the BPO sector. One issue was on talent.

Cristina Coronel, president of the Philippine Software Industry Association says that the “war of talent” continues to be a critical issue facing the industry. “The industry has been facing attrition for the longest time.” She saw both an “outflow and inflow strategy” to address the problem. A “gentleman’s agreement” can be forged between companies to control the outflow (piracy of talents). She also saw the need to improve programs and partnerships. “Partnerships with the academe can result to better, smarter talents,” adds Ms. Coronel.


Maulik Parekh, President and CEO of SPi Global say, “Attrition is very company specific.” He mentions that a company should have a culture that is respectful and with a sense of malasakit.” He adds that there are other sources of talents outside Metro Manila. “These talents from key provinces can go head to head with talents from Manila and Cebu.”

Outside Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, these talents can be found in 10 key provincial cities, which have made strong contributions to the economy. These ten cities are called the Next Wave Cities™ These cities are Davao, Sta. Rosa, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Metro Cavite, Lipa City, Cagayan de Oro City, Malolos City, Baguio City, and Dumaguete City. They have been ranked in a scorecard developed by BPA/P and CICT. Metro Manila and Metro Cebu are considered “centers of excellence” and not part of this list.

Investments in talents are essential to sustain its brand as "the sunshine industry," said Oscar Sanez, president and CEO, BPA/P. He adds that talent development needs to “taken to a higher level from certification to training.

Last March, BPA/P launched BNCT (BPA/P National Competency Test). This is an assessment tool that would help generate industry-level talents. This test is given to graduates who would like to pursue a career in the BPO industry. “To date, we have been able to get some funding from government to allow us to distribute the test to 10,000 students nationwide,” says Jamea Garcia, BPA/P Executive Director for Talent Development.

“People either move up or move across. Agents moving from one company to another is part of a free market economy,” says Agarup Sengupta, Managing Director and Global CEO, Aegis Limited. “It also provides a breeding ground for new talent to come in.”

Moulic adds that the country needs a strategy to keep the Philippines competitive as other countries from Africa and South American are beginning to push their own BPO sectors. “We need to go deeper into the educational system.” He sees the need for a stronger “rigor of instruction for English.”

“The challenge we face now is how we can replicate our success. It is exciting to trade ideas with our counterparts from around the world and to share insights into the direction outsourcing will take in its next decade,” says Oscar Sanez, president and CEO, BPA/P.

Gupta adds, “Pushing hard what we are doing today require partnership and collaboration with government.”

The 2nd annual International Outsourcing Summit is a good push and step towards greater collaboration between key industry players. It organized by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P), in cooperation with the Board of Investment and the Department of Trade and Industry, supported by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), together with the Board of Investments and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Mobile Productivity

The busy executive is always concerned and sometimes worried about his own mobile connectivity. Problems can arise with his broadband connection, whether it be Smart, Globe or Sun. And failure of connectivity could result to an unhappy client or loss of a business opportunity. But the other half of mobile connectivity involves one’s gadget, one’s Blackberry, Nokie or iPhone smartphone. Or one’s laptop. At the launch of the new laptops of Dell held at Terrace at the Fifth (one of my favorite restaurants in Greenbelt 5), I was amazed to see the bright new colors. But most of all, the keyboard had back-lit lights and was “water resistant.” Yes, if you spilled coffee or water or orange juice on your keyboard, it would simply spill through like it was a water-resistant watch. That is great specially if you like eating and working at the same time or often at Starbucks with your Mocha Frappucino close to your laptop. In this video, Tan Hiang talks more about mobile productivity. Maybe, next to my MacBook, I could get used to Dell. I like it’s colors, security features but not really about being water-resistant. For technology to work, don’t drink your coffee near your laptops. It is an accident that is waiting to happen.

Lost and Found: iPhone

What if you accidentally found an iPhone at the counter of a popular drugstore in Greenbelt? Would you pick it up? Keep it for yourself? Read its messages? Check out its photos? Bring it to the store manager? Just leave it on the counter? Or find out who owns it and return it?

Or what if an Apple engineer accidentally loses an iPhone prototype and you happen to be around that place? What if? Actually, both what if’s have happened. Last year, I did accidentally find an unattended iPhone at Watson’s in Greenbelt 1. Was not really jumping up in joy seeing that iPhone as I already owned one. It was nothing new. Been using my iPhone for over a year. And I second iPhone didn’t really present itself as an exciting option.

Out of curiosity, I did pick up the phone. On my mind, I was thinking it was one of those TV pranks like “Wow Mali.” Maybe, Joey de Leon was around? I looked around the store, trying to spot any hidden video cameras. None. I thought of handing it over to the store manager, but that was no guarantee that they would find the owner and return it. It was safe to be in my hands. And I knew how to return it. Simply, call the last incoming number. I did that. Called the last incoming call. Talked to a real estate agent. She identified that the iPhone belonged to a Korean-American filmmaker visiting the country. A few minutes later, the owner did call and we made arrangements to meet up at McDonald’s Greenbelt 1 that same evening. He offered some money as a reward. Huh? No need for any reward, although coffee might have been nice?

You surely read the news or heard the buzz about an Apple employee named Gray Powell who lost a prototype of the next-generation iPhone4 somewhere in Redwood City. Imagine. The future iPhone that Steve Jobs proudly introduced just a few days ago.

Someone did pick it that lost prototype and reportedly made some effort to find out who owned it. That was really easy. Steve Jobs. But the “finder” decided to sell the prototype to Jason Chen who paid US$5,000 for the “lost” phone. He posted photos of the phone on this blog at Gizmodo.com And quickly his blog got around 9 million readers.

Apple also reported the “theft.” The prototype was ultimately returned to Apple. Gizmodo editor Jason Chen was raided by members of the Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team. Chen refused to answer questions.

Questions have been raised about media and checkbook journalism, where some journalists pay for information. I don’t think it is right or ethical to pay for information. But must admit the search for a scoop might be too tempting specially, if it involved a very popular tech brand like Apple.

So next time, you are around a bar or fast-food chain and see an iPhone, pick it and return it to its rightful owner!

Digital Explorer

Technology indeed works and breaks the barriers of communities, which includes teachers and students, and help enhance learning opportunities for young students.
Last May 20, 2010, British explorer, Ed Stafford, conducted a live classroom session from the heart of the Amazon Rainforest to students who were at the new Rainforest Exhibit at London Zoo. It was an actual learning session from the Amazon Rain Forest to the rain forest in at the London Zoo. Ed is currently undertaking the first ever attempt to walk the entire length of the Amazon River. He has been walking since 02 April 2008. Photo of Ed Stafford by Keith Ducatel

This zoo is run by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity founded in 1826. You can visit www.zsl.org The zoo opened to the public in 1847 and is the oldest scientific zoo. The zoo used to be the home to Chi Chi, a giant panda who inspired Peter Scott's design for the World Wildlife Fund logo. Chi Chi died in 1972.

Using latest satellite and digital computer technologies, Ed spoke life with a group of young students from Swiss Cottage School at the Rainforest Exhibit at London Zoo.

Through Digital Explorer’s pioneering virtual Academy of Exploration, the connectivity between teachers and students has been enhanced. The Academy uses the latest communication technologies to bring real-life experiences in exploration and science into the many young minds. This totally different learning experience is made possible by modern day explorers like Ed Stafford.

In a press statement, Jamie Buchanan-Dunlop, Director of Digital Explorer says, “Having Ed speak live from the Amazon to a group of pupils at London Zoo just shows what is possible in education now. The Digital Explorer Academy of Exploration makes this kind of opportunity open to schools across the UK.”

And this learning opportunity is free. Teachers can register for free access to multi-media, educational resources and LIVE lessons direct from expeditions across the planet www.digitalexplorer.com

New Wave Cities Recognized

It is deniably true that the growth of the country's BPO sector has contributed to keep the country afloat specially during the global financial crisis.


Thus, industry leaders from government, led by officials from CICT led by Secretary Chua and BPA/P CEO Oscar Sanez paid tribute to the hard-working men and women from ten cities around the country, whose productivity have become engines of economic growth for the country.

Known as the next wave cities, from Dumaguete to Baguio, BPO companies in these cities have effectively used technology to contribute to economic productivity.

Need a bigger screen? Try a projector

Yes, our Samsung flat-screen TV is a delight, specially, if one is watching a “big-screen” type of movie like “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” But sometimes, you would always want something bigger or larger than life. A bigger TV screen could provide a solution but that would be tough on one’s pocket. And besides, this Samsung TV still works.

Another option would be to get an LCD projector. Yes, those box-type gadgets we use at work for client presentations. One’s brilliant or lousy ideas can suddenly become a “big” idea when it is communicated in a large way through a projector. Whether it be in a classroom or corporate boardroom, projectors get the job done and 99% proves that technology work. I always make it a rule to come early for any client presentation to test a projector as sometimes, there are compatibility issues.



Recently, Infocus, the industry pioneer and global leader in the digital projection market showed their media friends why Infocus is still no. 1 projector worldwide.

“Customers have come to expect quality, value for money and innovation from InFocus. Innovation comes in many forms: design, cutting edge technology and differentiated features.” said Jeremy Farren, InFocus Vice President for International Sales. “Our Zoom 2010 line up of commercial and consumer projectors bring a fresh new industrial look and unique features that sets the standard for digital projection

Basic Business Ethics

The IT Journalists Association of the Philippines (CyberPress) denounces in the strongest terms, what the group sees as an unfair and arbitrary treatment of two CyberPress members who were penalized for doing their work -- reporting IT industry news.

Last March 1, 2010, CyberPress members had reported the resignation of a country manager of a multinational IT company – a development actually confirmed by the company. The report also stated that the executive had thrice been bypassed for promotion to the top post, an issue denied by the company.

The company objected vehemently that the report was “wrong,” though it announced the official’s resignation later on. We believe that the report, in its totality, is true and correct.

We believe that the proper course of action that the IT company and/or the PR agency could have taken, was to raise the concern/issue directly with the publications’ section editor responsible for the page and/or the reporter who wrote the story. They failed to do so on both accounts. The veteran IT journalists involved have always kept an open line of communication to both IT company and PR agency but were never approached.

However, what the IT company chose to do and allegedly upon the persistent counsel of its PR agency, is highly anomalous if not downright dubious. In other words, a breakdown in basic business ethics and public relations practice.

In the eyes of CyberPress, the manner of how this ‘issue’ was handled is categorically unacceptable.

We believe that our members, if they did violate any protocol in the pursuit of their story, due process should have been followed. They deserve to be treated like any professional with respect and fairness.

Information Technology Journalists Association of the Philippines (CyberPress)
March 12, 2010

iPad: Today's Tricorder

The iPad is here. Well, not yet really here in Manila but in North America. It was recently introduced by Apple to Apple enthusiasts and brand ambassadors during an event held at an Apple press conference at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

This tablet computer, which can probably could be have inspired by the tricorder used in the Starship Enterprise by Spock and Dr. McCoy (sorry, am a Trekkie), can be used for reading e-books and email, browsing the Internet, watching videos, playing games and listening to music. Like the iPhone, its high-resolution multi-touch display would simply be amazing and it is just 0.5 inches thick. How light is it? Just around 700 grams. How much is it? Well, in the States, it will sell around US$500 bucks for for the 16GB model. The 32GB will sell nearly $600 while one will spare US$700 for the 64GB model. Sorry, one can't expand storage capacity.

The iPad comes in two versions—one with Wi-Fi and the other with both Wi-Fi and 3G.

Here? My guess is that it will be between the 30k and 40k range. Hopefully, not beyond 50k, because that would mean it would be near the range of a Macbook already!

In a press statement, Steve Jobs said, “iPad creates and defines an entirely new category of devices that will connect users with their apps and content in a much more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before.” Steve Jobs founded Apple in 1976 and has since revolutionized the way we live using laptops and get connected with each other. He usually wears a black long-sleeved mock turtleneck, Levi's 501 blue jeans and sneakers when he meets stakeholders and media. Photo of Steve Jobs with the new iPad from Flickr (Apple iPad Event)

And just like the iPhone and iPod touch, it also syncs with iTunes using the standard Apple 30-pin to USB cable. All this syncing can sometimes be annoying if you are using different iPods or iPhones to sync to one MacBook. If there is a way to “unsync” or selective sync, please tell me.

How long is the battery life? Reports say that it will last up to 10 hours of video. Hmmm. That is more than a one way trip from Manila to Baguio. And 140 hours of audio!

Will I get an iPad? Maybe?

Growth of digital information

Like me, you probably also have too much information on your laptop. Which is one reason why am looking for an iOmega EGO external hard drive. Anyone know where I can find one?

According to the latest IDC Digital Universe White Paper, sponsored by EMC, there has been a five-fold growth in four years of digital information. Yup, that includes digital pictures we upload on Facebook or Friendster or music we buy and download from iTunes. And the more affordable costs of digital gadgets and equipments have contributed to the increase of digital information.

The study reveals that next year, individuals like you and me will create 70% of information in the digital universe. This study examined how IT departments were coping with the growth (or rather the boom) of information and how money was being allocated to manage corporate data. From the 405 respondents, 92 were from the financial, manufacturing, telco and energy sectors in the Philippines.

“Within the Philippines’ telecoms industry, the challenge is now about which telco can offer the most value-added and creative content in order to expand consumer offering that provide end to end solutions on the go,” says Ronnie Latinazo, Country Manager, EMC Philippines. I am sure both Globe and Smart are fighting toe to toe to get these value-added and creative content to their subscribers. Unless, you see a network out of coverage reach message.

For companies, there would be an increasing need for security, compliance and preservation of digital information. A key element in the IDC study showed that data security is still a missing key element in information management strategies. From the total 405 respondents, some companies still don’t have data security policies in place.

“Companies are under tremendous pressures to achieve higher levels of efficiency with existing technology that have now because IT budgets are often reduced or unchanged despite an increase in demand for constant upgrades,” says Latinazo. Yup, we have heard of “doing more, with less.” Given the tough economic times, IT budgets are really being affected.

Sometimes, with reduced IT budgets, companies face a continuing challenge on the customer front. Respondents from the five countries who were part of the IDC survey (Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and India) say “they need to deploy technological products and services in more innovative and strategic ways.”

My IT budget? Around 5,000 pesos for a portable 500 GB iOmega EGO. Anyone know where I can get one? Preferably colored red.

SNS under attack

Just the other day, Chief and I were watching “Eagle Eye” on HBO. Many of us remember this 2008 film with Shia LaBeouf (Jerry Shaw) and Michelle Monaghan (Rachel Holloman), as a pair who are brought together and coerced to an anonymous female (ARRIA). The plots revolves around a possible terrorist attack but this time, it is a super computer who through cyberspace coordinates action that leads Jerry and Rachel into the halls of the Capitol Bldg. Billy Bob Thornton plays FBI agent Thomas Morgan who towards the end believes Jerry. He charges into a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to help Jerry escape.

Today, realities of cyberattacks are happening around the world. Last year, news media, financial and government websites in South Korea felt coordinated attacks through cyberspace. The BBC News reported at least a 3rd wave of attacks last 09 July 2009. The report says, it was a "denial of service" attack” wherein virus-infected computers are hijacked and simultaneously directed to a particular site, overwhelming it with the sheer volume of traffic. Last October 30, 2009, the National Intelligence Service, South Korea's spy agency, pointed to North Korea's telecommunications ministry as the origin of the attacks. Someone like John McClane can be part of this unit? Remember in Die Hard 4.0 McClane fought off cyber terrorists. Photo from http://www.deseretnews.com

Even the website of DOH was hacked into last December. Hackers changed the photo of Secretary Duque. The TESDA site was also traffic was redirected to Smartmatic, who is supplying the poll machines for the May elections. A hacker also posted Arabic messages on the DOLE website. Also last year, hackers targeted three government websites namely: Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Information Technology and Electronic Commerce Council. Their traffic was redirected to another website.

According the latest study by Sophos, there also has been a rise of cyberattacks in social networks like Twitter and Facebook. The study revealed that 57 percent of online social network users reported getting spam in their virtual communities. This was a 70.6 percent jump from last year.

"Computer users are spending more time on social networks, sharing sensitive and valuable personal information, and hackers have sniffed out where the money is to be made," said Sophos senior technology consultant Graham Cluley.

Already Facebook is working with McAfee increase protection for its members, who now number around 350 million. That won’t be an easy task for the security team at Facebook. According to a news report, Facebook members are also “being offered free six-month subscriptions to McAfee security software and then discounted prices for continued service.”

Better safe than sorry. Thus, it always best to use security software, whether it be McAfee Virus Scan or Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus. Or get an external hard drive to back up your data. If you are a Mac use, get an iOmega EGO!




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