The Philippines has moved up to third place among countries most affected by web threats in 2024, according to the report by Kaspersky, a cybersecurity solutions provider. Despite a decrease in the total number of cyberattacks compared to 2023, the country remains a key target for cybercriminals.
Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) recorded more than 14,101,706 web threats targeting Filipino users in 2024, affecting 42.3% of users. This marks a decline from the 26,164,698 threats detected in 2023, when 48% of users were affected. However, the Philippines’ global ranking rose from fourth place in 2023 to third this year, indicating that cyber risks remain a significant concern.
“This should serve as a wake-up call for businesses and individuals in the Philippines,” Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia, Kaspersky, said in a media release. “Clearly, it’s time to strengthen their defenses and stay vigilant against evolving online threats.”
He also noted that Filipinos are known to be really active online, so cybersecurity should no longer be just an option but a necessity in today’s digital landscape.
Belarus topped the list with 43.7% of users facing cyber risks, followed by Moldova at 43.2%. The Philippines ranked third at 42.3%, ahead of Russia and Ukraine, both at 42%.
Web threats exploit vulnerabilities in browsers, plugins, and online platforms to deliver malware to unsuspecting users. Common methods include drive-by downloads, where malware is installed when visiting compromised websites, and social engineering attacks, which trick users into downloading harmful files.
“The numbers of cyberthreats are fluctuating, not uniformly declining,” Yeo added.
He explained that improvements in detection and prevention, shifts in attack strategies, and increased cybersecurity awareness may influence reported figures.