𝐏𝐍𝐏, 𝐆𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢

𝐏𝐍𝐏, 𝐆𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢

𝙋𝙉𝙋-𝘼𝘾𝙂 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣-𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙒𝙞-𝙁𝙞 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙪𝙡𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙮𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙨

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) in close coordination with GCash, has issued an advisory cautioning against the use of free Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and can lead to mobile phone hacking, remote access, and account takeovers.

The leading finance app has expressed concern about the potential risks of connecting to free and unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots which may lead to millions of user accounts being vulnerable to cyber threats. Meanwhile, the PNP-ACG cautioned that these malicious free Wi-Fi hotspots are commonly found in hotel rooms, coffee shops, airports, and other public areas.

“While open Wi-Fi networks may offer the allure of free and easily accessible internet, it’s important to recognize that their open and unsecured nature also exposes users to vulnerabilities and cyber threats,” cautions PNP-ACG Director, PBGen Ronnie Francis Cariaga.

One of the primary concerns highlighted by Cariaga is the susceptibility of electronic devices to Man-In-The-Middle (MTM) attacks when connected to open Wi-Fi networks. "An attacker can intercept the communication flow between your devices and web browsers, potentially stealing sensitive information and even hijacking your device," Cariaga said.

In light of these serious security risks, the PNP-ACG and GCash strongly advise the public to exercise caution and refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, individuals are encouraged to rely on secure mobile networks for their internet connectivity needs, particularly when traveling.

"Public and open Wi-Fi networks are risky because they often lack strong encryption, allowing cybercriminals to intercept data or distribute malware, and they may feature fake hotspots set up to steal information," said GCash Chief Information Security Officer, Miguel Geronilla.

Users are encouraged to report incidents of scams, fraud, and cybercrime to the PNP-ACG through its hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116 or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph.

To report a scam, visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com or message Gigi on the website and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

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𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐆𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡

GCash is the Philippines’ #1 Finance Super App. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills via partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6 million partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash’s mobile wallet operations are handled by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt, the first and only duacorn in the Philippines.

GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.

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