Converge ICT Solutions Inc., a fiber broadband and technology provider, has reported that it blocked nearly 12 billion entry attempts to illegal sites by the end of 2023. This represents an increase from the approximately 1.9 billion blocked attempts the previous year, marking a 400% surge in 2023 alone.
“Over the past year, Converge redoubled its efforts to ensure that our network won’t be exploited for criminal activities,” said Paulo Martin Satos, chief network transformation officer, Converge. “We take seriously our role in mitigating these threats, putting in place the necessary safeguards to deliver a more positive digital experience to our users,”
The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed a 400% rise in cybercrime-related incidents in the country for 2023. Converge’s data indicates that the peak in attempts to access malicious sites occurred in the third quarter of the year, with nearly 4.5 billion blocked requests.
Read:
Converge revenues up by 7%
Converge, DITO formalize cable-sharing arrangement
Converge has expanded its list of restricted addresses, adding around 198,000 URLs and domains associated with illegal activities, particularly those involving child sexual abuse and exploitation, through its partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).
Strengthening collaborations
Converge’s filtering system has effectively prevented various forms of illicit activities, including phishing, illegal financial transactions, online gambling, and voyeurism. The company has blacklisted over 530,000 newly enrolled sites, prohibiting access to these websites for users connected through its network.
Converge urges internet users to remain vigilant in light of the evolving nature of cybercrimes. The company has collaborated with government agencies and private advocacy groups to enhance education and awareness regarding online scams, particularly during periods like Valentine’s month when “love scams” are expected to rise.
Converge plans to strengthen its collaboration with international law enforcement organizations to further intensify its efforts in combating cybercrimes. As of September 2023, Converge’s end-to-end fiber network serves more than two million subscribers nationwide.