Global insurtech bolttech has released new research showing that consumers in the Philippines rank among the most confident in Asia-Pacific in their online safety, but this confidence is not reflected in actual behavior, exposing many to cyber risks.
In the Philippines, 96% of respondents rate their online safety habits as “good” or “very good,” yet less than half (48%) consistently practice strong cyber hygiene, resulting in a 48-point perception gap, wider than the regional average (41%).
This gap is reflected in real‑world exposure. bolttech’s Asia‑Pacific Cyber Safety Landscape 2026 study found that 93% of Filipinos have encountered a scam attempt – above the regional average of 89% – with 57% already victims of cybercrime, compared to 39% across Asia‑Pacific, while 58% expect someone in their household to fall victim within the next year.
“What this shows is that the issue is no longer awareness — it’s behavior,” said Jemma Delacruz, General Manager, Philippines, bolttech. “Consumers already know cyber risks exist, but protection today still depends too heavily on individuals making the right decisions every time. What’s needed now is a shift towards support that is embedded and seamless, so people are protected as they go about their everyday digital lives.”
The study, conducted with Blackbox Research, highlights that risky online habits remain widespread in the Philippines. Nearly 70% of consumers reuse passwords across multiple accounts, increasing the likelihood that a single breach can compromise multiple platforms.
Despite this awareness of cyber risks, many still fail to follow basic cyber hygiene practices, leaving themselves exposed to increasingly sophisticated scams.
Across Asia-Pacific, the findings reveal clear regional contrasts, with much of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia, reporting higher exposure to cybercrime and more frequent scam activity compared to other markets in Asia- Pacific such as South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Australia.
“Scams have become an inescapable friction in the regional digital economy,” observed David Black, Founder and CEO, Blackbox Research, Singapore. “Yet even with the vast majority facing scam threats, there is a stark disconnect between public anxiety and personal action, as most consumers declare their own safety protocols are failing to keep pace.”
The Asia-Pacific Cyber Safety Landscape 2026 report surveyed 3,850 consumers across 11 markets to assess online behaviors, experiences, and attitudes toward cyber risk. Click here to read the full report.
