Tough maximum cybersecurity for Smart customers during SIM registration

PLDT’s wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has implemented maximum security measures since the start of the government-mandated SIM registration process to protect customer data and information. 

“Our cybersecurity culture has led us to implement the toughest cyber defenses when it comes to data privacy and protection. Our goal has always been zero breach. We also assure our customers that we follow a legal procedure when there’s a valid request for information,” said Angel T. Redoble, FVP and Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT and Smart. 

Redoble says the telco is in constant communication with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to boost measures securing customer information. PLDT and Smart have also made themselves available for consultation with relevant government agencies to aid them as they craft guidelines on how to further secure infrastructures and processes throughout the registration period. 

Republic Act 11934 or the ‘Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act’ took effect in late December last year to curb crimes committed involving mobile communications technology. The law requires users to register their SIM cards or face deactivation. Customers are given until April 26, 2023 to complete the process. 

For its part, Smart has supported government-led efforts to reach more subscribers. It has launched SIM Registration activities across the country to assist its customers. Toward the end of January, more than 13 million Smart and TNT customers have registered their SIM cards. 

“Like what our President and CEO, Mr. Al Panlilio says, we are no longer securing systems but communities. We are always open to collaborate with different stakeholders to protect Filipinos from being victimized by cyber-attacks,” added Redoble. 

PDLT and Smart are at the forefront of cybersecurity, protecting the group’s assets and their customers. As of end-2022, PLDT and Smart’s Cyber Security Operations Group (CSOG) thwarted more than 182 million cyber-attacks and breach attempts. CSOG has also amassed more than 123 million indicators of compromise in its threat intelligence database that it uses for cybersecurity correlation. 

PLDT and Smart’s initiatives to bolster their cybersecurity infrastructure is grounded in their customer-centric ideology that aims to deliver meaningful connections and experiences for their customers to live a fuller life. These programs highlight the Group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG No. 9 on Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure.