Art Samaniego

Technology Editor and OIC for ICT

ART SAMANIEGO JR. is the Technology Editor and the Information and Communications Technology head of the Manila Bulletin. He is also a Google-certified IT Support Specialist, an IBM-certified Cybersecurity Analyst, and ISO/IEC 27001 Certified Information Security Associate.  He is the Manila Bulletin's resident geek and is recognized as one of the country's go-to-guy for technology-related issues.

Discrediting mainstream media can lead people to rely on unverified information

While mainstream media is generally a reliable source of information, people must maintain a healthy dose of critical thinking. In an age where misinformation can spread quickly, the ability to evaluate and analyze news critically helps individuals discern facts from bias or inaccuracies. Journalists are responsible for providing accurate and balanced news, and by engaging thoughtfully with media sources, people can better understand the complexities of the information presented and make informed decisions that align with their beliefs and values.

CICC warns public about new GCash message scam targeting users through Viber and Facebook Messenger

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has issued a warning about a new GCash email scam. Scammers are now using platforms like Viber and Facebook Messenger to send fraudulent messages, bypassing SMS restrictions enforced by the SIM Registration Act. The deceptive emails urge users to verify their accounts via a provided link. CICC emphasizes avoiding links from unknown sources and highlights the decline in scam texts since the Act's implementation.

Meralco urges caution as 'Bill Reveal Challenge' trends on social media

A social media trend called the "Bill Reveal Challenge" is prompting users to share images of their Meralco electricity bills, including their Customer Account Number (CAN). While the challenge may seem harmless, Meralco and internet security experts warn of significant risks. Revealing the CAN can expose users to identity theft and unauthorized access. Meralco stresses the importance of protecting personal information and encourages customers to avoid sharing sensitive details online.

The Pura 70 Ultra: Huawei's bold leap forward in smartphone engineering

Durability has always been a hallmark of the P Series, and the Pura 70 Ultra raises the bar to unprecedented heights. 

Hacker claims Philippine National Police systems breach, cites human error

A hacker known as "ph1ns" has claimed responsibility for breaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) systems, accessing the "PNP Logistics Data Information and Management System" (PLDIMS). Ph1ns shared evidence of the breach on the Breach Forums, revealing a database sample containing over 393,894 rows of personal information. The hacker attributed the breach to human errors, including enabling debug mode and allowing remote database connections. The PNP is investigating the incident.