Converge bars 180 billion attempts to enter illegal sites

Broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. blocked last year more than 180 billion attempts to access illegal sites, a surge attributed to the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) in online crimes.

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

Converge chief information security officer Andrew Malijan yesterday said the company rejected a record 183 billion attempts in 2024 to enter platforms that were registered in its network as illegal.

Malijan explained that Converge had stepped up its cybersecurity initiatives to keep pace with criminals who are increasingly exploiting AI to enhance their digital attacks.

Overall, Converge listed 150,000 links as illegal, meaning subscribers are barred from accessing them. These domains lead to sites containing materials related to online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) or promoting digital scams and illegal gambling.