PLDT Enterprise calls for cybersecurity readiness among PH compani

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PDT Enterprise AVP and Head of Cybersecurity Business Consulting Alexis Bernardino [second to the right] joined the customer panel discussion of the Philippine leg of the 2022 Fortinet Accelerate Asia Tour. He highlighted some key important notes on cybersecurity to help businesses secure their organizations against cyberattacks.

 

PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the country’s largest fully integrated telecommunications provider PLDT, highlighted the significance of cybersecurity readiness amid the dramatic rise of cyberattacks to businesses over the past year.

During the Philippine leg of the 2022 Fortinet Accelerate Asia Tour, PLDT Enterprise AVP and Head of Cybersecurity Business Consulting Alexis Bernardino shared that “in terms of the current cyber security landscape, it is no longer a question of ‘if’ or ‘how’ companies will be breached or attacked but it is a matter of ‘when.’”

According to survey results from cybersecurity firm Sophos last year, 69% of the respondents, composed of businesses in the country, experienced a ransomware attack, or those cyberattacks that encrypt systems in exchange for a ransom.

This was higher compared to the results of the same survey conducted in 2020 where 42% of Philippine firms surveyed reported ransomware incidents.

Likewise, the average ransomware payment made by companies in the country was found to be about $1.6 million last year which was more than double the global average of $812,000. The country’s average in 2020 was already at $820,000.

It also cost Philippine organizations an average of $1.34 million to recover from the attack, ranging from downtime, people time, device cost, and network cost, to lost opportunity, among others.

“Enterprises should operate on an “ASSUMED BREACH MODE”. Anticipate that you have been breached already. That should be the operating mode so that you would always stay vigilant that something might happen and you might be vulnerable to any cyberattack. It is also important to fortify your predictive and responsive capabilities and approach,” Bernardino said.

The PLDT Enterprise executive also added that the partnership between public and private companies is critical to ensuring a safer Philippine cyberspace.

“There should be strong legislation pertaining to cybersecurity so that we can establish a framework and roadmap for the Philippines. The private sector can come in to share their best practices, threat intelligence, and cybersecurity expertise to help the government, which is leading the pack to create a safer and secured Philippine Cyberspace,” he noted.

Moreover, Bernardino raised the issue of the scarcity of cybersecurity talents in the country. He mentioned that there are different approaches to addressing this but the most important consideration is to employ cybersecurity professionals who have “the right mindset, the right attitude and should be trainable in cybersecurity.”

Fortinet Accelerate Asia 2022 Tour is a cybersecurity conference for Fortinet partners and customers, aiming to deliver inspiring and innovative plenary sessions to broaden the delegates’ perspective, allow them to engage their thoughts, and help them improve their security senses.

The tour’s Philippines edition delivers unique insights from Fortinet and industry experts who share their knowledge on the technology trends that will shape the future of cybersecurity.

It features informative talks and breakout sessions, discussing today’s most challenging cybersecurity while providing a fun, comprehensive, and focused event where delegates can network with other peers and experts in the industry.

Bernardino joined other executives from different companies during the event’s customer panel discussion, which was graced by Fortinet Asia Vice President of Marketing and Communications Rashish Pandey, Maynilad Water Services Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Dr. Francisco Castillo, and Experts Prime IT Services President Joseph Mark R. Aquino.

Each speaker shared insights on how to navigate through various cybersecurity challenges organizations face today.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com. #

How Modern Technology Has Impacted the Gambling Industry

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Gambling has been around for thousands of years. Previously looked upon somewhat as a taboo, the stigma attached to gambling is fast fading away as more people embrace it. Today, the gambling industry is worth billions of dollars, and it is projected that the value will only continue to increase.

Technological advancement has played and is still playing a significant role in the growth of the gambling industry. The technological space is dynamic, so both old and new online casino establishments have to keep up with the latest technologies to make their services more appealing to customers.

This article will provide a general overview of the impacts of technology on the gambling industry.

Ways Modern Technology Has Impacted the Gambling Industry

Here are just some of the most noteworthy ways in which modern technology has revolutionized the gambling industry:




Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence technology is being utilized in various ways in the gambling industry. They play a part in helping gambling companies improve their services by tracking user behavior and gathering data on customers. AI also moderates many casino games.

Additionally, AI equally helps in the delivery of fast and efficient customer services. Chatbots, which are available on most gambling websites, have been employed in handling customers’ inquiries. Only if a chatbot cannot satisfactorily handle an inquiry, the customer is transferred to a live agent.




Live Streaming

Streaming has become a part of our daily lives. Popular movie streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu most likely ring a bell. As unexpected as it may seem, streaming has found its way into gambling with the introduction of live dealer games —real-time casino games handled by a croupier that can be streamed via a gambling company’s website.

The games are conducted in a casino studio or land-based casino. Some games that are available in live-dealer format include roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. The main reason why live dealer games have become popular is because they offer gamblers the experience of playing in a physical casino without the possible inconvenience of having to go and visit one.




Mobile Gaming

We live in a world where more than 50% of the population own a smartphone or some other mobile device. In contrast, much fewer people have personal computers. Considering these factors, it simply doesn’t make sense for gambling companies to neglect or exclude mobile users.

Most gambling websites are now mobile-friendly. Some gambling companies have even gone a step further and developed their own mobile applications. Supporting mobile gaming promotes inclusivity and allows people to play on the go when they don’t have access to or can’t use their computers.

Cloud gaming is a form of gaming where game data is stored and can be accessed from remote servers. This has eliminated the need to download large game applications or spend a fortune on high-end PCs. Since data is stored in the “cloud,” it can be accessed from anywhere, meaning that you can access and play these games on any device. All you have to do is have access to the internet and log into your account.

Cloud gaming is done online. Therefore, it requires a stable and fast internet connection for an optimal experience. Thankfully, 5G is more than up to the task. 5G is incredibly fast —100x faster than 4G— and can reach an insane download speed of 10GB per second.




Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are technological advancements that are set to revolutionize the gambling industry, as well as the rest of the gaming world. With the aid of a VR headset, players can immerse themselves into a 3D virtual world where they can interact with in-game characters and objects.

This technology is yet to be largely implemented in the gambling industry. However, plans are underway to achieve this. The real-life casino experience that virtual reality offers is something that many punters can’t wait to experience.




More Payment Options

Thanks to technology, gamblers now have a wide range of payment and withdrawal options to choose from. The most frequently used cashless options are debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and third-party services like PayPal.

Many gambling sites accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. These cryptocurrencies are built on blockchain technology. When it is available as an option, many gamblers prefer to use cryptocurrencies because of their numerous advantages. Cryptocurrency transactions are generally anonymous, faster, and more secure.

Security

The fear of having sensitive and financial information compromised or even stolen discouraged people from making online payments and deposits in the past. However, technologies like SSL and TLS have made it harder for cybercriminals to hack websites and access people’s financial information. In countries where the government regulates gambling, it is usually mandatory for gambling sites to comply with the standard online safety practices.

Unfortunately, threats of security breaches and hacks are not the only thing punters have to worry about. Unscrupulous gambling companies often misuse and resell data collected from their customers. Laws such as the GDPR have been implemented to curb such activities.




High-quality Graphics and Audio

The use of high-definition graphics and 3D in game development has transformed the experience for many punters. Gone are the days of 2-dimensional unrealistic images. Games are much more realistic and visually appealing now.

Audio equally plays a part in providing an immersive gaming experience. Luckily, it has been getting the attention it deserves from developers. For each game, a soundtrack that fits it is carefully composed and integrated. Great audio and high-quality graphics go hand in hand for the best experience.




Conclusion

Modern technology has become the backbone of the gambling industry. According to Statista, the gambling industry is expected to grow from $59 billion in 2022 to $92.9 billion in 2023. There is no doubt that this mega growth will be driven by technology. From all indications, the role of technology in the gambling industry is not ending anytime soon.

Qatari ministry of labor report

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Here is the report prepared by the Qatari ministry of labor, including the positive statements, made by the international organizations regarding the position of the migrant workers in the State of Qatar, aiming to reflect the real situation of workers, enjoying the privileges, increasing the minimum wage for all private sector workers, including domestic workers, as well the accommodation provided and the other allowances, besides the insurance and health care.

The testimonies of the international organizations:

ILO, The African trade Union, ITUC-Asia, The European Parliament, Building and Wood Workers International, Marc Taralla MEP, FIFA, Migrant Forum in Ashia, OIOM UN MIGRATION,IDWF, International Trade Union Confederation ITUC, International Transport Workers on the above mentioned regards, refute any allegations, that reflects a negative images of the immigrant workers in the state of Qatar.


ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar

ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar published a report in December 2021 entitled: Progress report on the technical cooperation programme between the Government of Qatar and the ILO, in which it highlighted that:


"In March 2021 QataHs first non-discriminatory minimum wage came into force after a six-month transition period, applying to all workers regardless of their nationality and occupation, including domestic workers. In addition to a minimum monthly basic wage of 1,000 Qatari Riyals (QAR), the Law stipulates that employers must provide decent accommodation and food. or monthly allowances of at least QAR 500 for housing and QAR 300 for food. Between February and September 2021, over 280,000 workers or approximately 13 per cent of the total workforce in the private sector have seen their basic wage increase to the minimum threshold and many more have benefited from the new requirements on allowances."


"The Wage Protection System (WPS) is now able to better detect additional violations. A new version of Salary Information File that employers must submit includes a more detailed breakdown of the wage, including specific fields for allowances and any deductions."


Max Tunon Head of ILO Project Office for the State of Qatar gave a speech on the OSH day, 28 April 2022, in which he said that:

"In Qatar, we've seen a high degree of participation and engagement from all quarters. This is evident from the mix of speakers and participants in the room today. From several ministries and government entities, from major public clients and contractors, from workers' representatives in OSH committees and joint committees, from global unions like the BWI and ITF, from professional associations of safety officers, like IOSH; And importantly. the international partnerships that the Ministry of Labour has cultivated. represented today by the participation of the UKs Health and Safety Executive."



issued a press release on the end of its delegation's mission to Qatar on 21 February 2021, in which it stated:


"Qatar has established several best practice initiatives such as the elimination of exit visas; freedom to change employers, which have led to the progressive reform of the Kafala sponsorship system; instituted a national minimum wage payment that includes accommodation and feeding and those who opt out of company accommodation and feeding provisions have the option of being paid in lieu. The reforms have also delivered improved health and safety requirements in construction sites and anywhere temperature exceeds a certain degree; signing of labour contracts in a designated location (Qatar Visa Centres) before migrant workers' departure to avoid discrepancies upon arrival in Qatar, and the establishment of workers' representative council."


ITUC-Asia issued a press statement on 15 March 2022 entitled: ITUC-Asia Pacific Mission to Qatar. Major advances in labour reform set a solid platform for worker protection beyond 2022, in which it said:


"The mission welcomes the significant advances in the remuneration and working conditions of migrant workers in Qatar and complements the government for its continued commitment. Qatar is by far the regional leader in terms of workers' participation and social dialogue, labour mobility, labour law and international cooperation and transparency."

"The mission, the ITIJC and the ITUC-Asia Pacific would like to thank the government of Qatar for its time and hospitality and commends its openness to frank discussions as part of an ongoing and constructive dialogue and the ILO for facilitating the mission."


The European Parliament press room issued a statement on 17 May 2022 entitled:

Qatar: statement by European Parliament's Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Maria Arena, in which it stated:

"Since 2018. many reforms have been adopted with the impetus of the Qatar National Human Rights committee and the action of the Minister of Labour,

Dr Ali Al Marri. These include the abolition of the Kafala system. workerS mobility. the introduction of the minimum wage. workplace health and safety mechanisms. the creation of a social fund, the establishment of collective bargaining arrangements, and more. These reforms are important, but they need to be correctly implemented, evaluated and followed up. which is why we welcome the International Labour Organisation's engagement as a partner in implementing these reforms.


Dietmar Schäfers, Deputy-President of the Building and Wood Workers' International at OSH Conference also said:

"I also want to acknowledge the rapid progress on legislation and regulation that has been made here in Qatar to achieve fundamental rights and freedoms for migrant workers. This includes important provision on health and safety regulations, and the more recent measures to protect workers from heat stress, extending a ban on outdoor work during the peak heat season and making annual health checks mandatory."


The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security policy's report entitled: 2021 Annual report on human rights and democracy in the world. The report noted that:

"The Qatari NationalHuman Rights Committee has established regular interaction with EU institutions and Qatar invited the EUSR for Human Rights to visit the country."

"The dismantling of the sponsorship/kafala system, a positive step in labour laws reforms: In 2027, Qatar launched robust labour reforms, notably the dismantling of the sponsorship/ kafala system (which grants excessive powers to the employer over the employee) in 2027, and introduced a minimum wage for all workers, including foreign workers representing 88% of the countrys population. With these new reforms, Qatar is the first country in the Arab Gulf region to allow all migrant workers to change jobs before the end of their contracts without first obtaining their employeds consent."


Of course, in the context of the world, I think that Europe is probably is the default. We know that the minimum wage in Qatar is higher than in Romania and Bulgaria. We are not perfect in Europe. I think that the model in Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden and other countries regarding the social protection of workers is important, and I think that going to this model is an evolution where all workers are protected and they can get health care, money, pension when they are retired. It is fundamental. and I think our model is not perfect. I mentioned that we have a lack of workers' rights in Europe, because Europe is 27 countries, with several levels of life. I give you an example: the minimum wage is different in 22 countries. But it is IOx more higher in Luxembourg than in Romania. So there's a huge difference. - Marc Tarabella MEP co-chair of Parliament's Bureau of the Sports Group and ViceChair DARP Delegation for relations with the Arab Peninsula






«We have to acknowledge the important progress that has been achieved in Qatar over the last decade» said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "Landmark legislative reforms have been introduced and have already brought concrete benefits for hundreds of thousands of migrant workers. «I am pleased to see the strong commitment from the Qatari authorities to ensure the reforms are fully implemented across the labour market, leaving a lasting legacy of the FIFA World Cup long after the event, and benefiting migrant workers in the host country in the long term. Challenges still remain - like in many other countries around the worldbut the progress achieved in the recent past is undeniable, as is the commitment to bring about positive social change."- Gianni Infantino, FIFA President


MIGRANT FORUM

Migrant Forum in Asia

New legislation in #Qqtqr provides greater protection to #workers from heat stress. Prohibited summertime working hours expanded by four weeks and annual health checks for workers introduced.


IOM's mission in Qatar and the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar

QATARNHRC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 28 June 2021. The aim is to boost coordination in promoting human rights, migrant rights & combatting human trafficking.




MIGRANT FORUM

Migrant Forum in Asia

The Mission of the IOM in Qatar and the Qatar National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) signed a MOU with the aim of enhancing coordination in the field of promoting human rights, the rights of combating human trafficking.



International Domestic Workers Federation IDWF

Encouraging news from Qatar on Oct 17, the Council of Ministers of the state of Qatar announced the endorsement of "new legislation allowing workers to change employers freely"



International Trade Union Confederation ITUC ITUC CSI IGB

The IlO and Government of Qatar have published a new report on health and safety provisions for workers in Qatar demonstrating a new level of openness and transparency in support of workers' rights.


International Transport Worker' Federation (ITF)

Qatar's Ministry of Labor and ITF Global have signed an historic agreement to give transport workers the right to form joint committees and work towards achieving full unions.




International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)

Good news for transport workers in Qatar-the ITF, @ADLSAQa have run their first forum for 100+ workers informing them about their rights and labour law changes in 2020

International Transport

Worker' Federation (ITF)

The ITF, the @ilo and the government Of Qatar have agreed to work together for the good of all transport workers. "We believe that the government of Qatar is fully committed to workers' rights generally.»