ESET launches new B2B features for the AI era

 

ESET is refining its B2B portfolio by adding a new AI Security module to the ESET PROTECT Platform.

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, is refining its B2B portfolio by adding a new AI Security module to the ESET PROTECT Platform. By helping organizations protect against threats across the AI ecosystem, ESET enables businesses to adopt AI with greater confidence through the following capabilities:

· AI Agent Security: A dedicated security layer that protects organizations using autonomous AI agents from malicious AI components, expanding defenses into the AI agent ecosystem to maintain AI productivity without compromising security.

· AI Behavioral Monitoring: A continuous monitoring capability that tracks the behavior of autonomous AI agents. This will detect and flag suspicious actions to help reduce risk, strengthen oversight of AI agent operations, and prevent suspicious AI behavior from turning into a security incident.

The cybersecurity landscape is being reshaped by AI. As employees adopt AI tools, developers embrace coding assistants, and organizations integrate AI agents and AI-driven workflows, a new attack surface is emerging. ESET is already seeing this shift firsthand. Its researchers have previously uncovered AI-enabled threats such as PromptLockand PromptSpy, while detecting thousands of malicious agentic AI skills. As AI accelerates innovation, it is also accelerating risk, requiring a new approach to cyber resilience. 

“AI is transforming the way businesses operate, innovate and grow, but it is also reshaping the cybersecurity landscape at an extraordinary pace. Across APAC, organizations are increasingly looking for security that can keep pace with this change while giving them the confidence to embrace new technologies. For us, cybersecurity is not only about responding to threats; it is about enabling progress securely. ESET’s updated B2B portfolio, supported by an additional €40 million investment in AI in 2026, reflects our commitment to helping organizations strengthen their resilience, navigate emerging AI-driven risks and ensure that security remains a foundation for innovation,” said Parvinder Walia, President of the APAC Region, ESET.

ESET is also strengthening its core AI detection technologies, which have been decades in development, by investing in security-first AI foundations designed specifically for cybersecurity. These includeESET LiveCortex, a cross-perimeter correlation and response engine included in the ESET PROTECT Platform.

Similarly, ESET AI Advisor is being renamed to ESET LiveAI to better reflect its place in the company’s core product portfolio and its new capability to provide live incident remediation context.

 

Discover more about ESET PROTECT here.

Read the full ESET Enterprise Cybersecurity Report 2026 here.

About B1G2 Technologies International Inc.

B1G2 Technologies is the exclusive distributor of ESET products in the Philippines. With a focus on delivering world-class cybersecurity solutions, B1G2 Technologies offers cybersecurity solutions and services, local support, and partner enablement to help businesses secure their digital operations. Its portfolio includes SOC as a Service, Threat Sweeping, Governance and Risk Management, and Cybersecurity Posture Improvement programs—empowering businesses to secure their digital transformation journey. For more information, visit our website (https://b1g2.io) or follow our LinkedIn and Facebook page.

i4C.PH: Raising the New Generation of Holistic Resilient Thinkers

 i4C.PH 2026 runs November 3 to 5 at the SMX Convention Center, Clark, Pampanga. It brings together students, professionals, and leaders across sectors to build integrated thinking across physical security, disaster risk, and cybersecurity. The Youth Resilience Lab, open to up to 200 student delegates, runs alongside senior-level simulations and workshops, placing every generation in the same learning environment. Registration and details are found at the end of this article.

The Philippines sits at a convergence of pressures that no single profession fully owns. Climate events grow heavier each decade. Digital threats reach further into daily life. Physical infrastructure, public health, and community safety are increasingly tied together in ways that weren’t true a generation ago. When one system strains, others tend to follow. Students, working professionals, community leaders, and families across the country will all spend years inside that reality, and how they navigate it will depend in part on whether the thinking they carry is broad enough to match it.

Holistic resilience is the capacity to read a situation across its physical, digital, and institutional dimensions and respond in a way that accounts for all of them, and it can take root at any stage of life, in any kind of work. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which the Philippines has committed to, calls explicitly for investing in youth knowledge and skills as a foundation for long-term risk reduction. UNESCO’s work on Education for Sustainable Development documents that risk literacy, when woven into learning early, helps people apply connected thinking to real problems throughout their lives. Both point to a measurable difference in how communities recover when more of their members think this way.

The gap between that goal and current practice remains real. Disaster preparedness, cybersecurity, and physical safety tend to be treated as separate subjects when they appear in formal education at all. The crises the Philippines faces rarely stay within a single category. A typhoon disrupts power. A power disruption creates vulnerabilities in communications. Communication failures slow emergency response. The chain moves quickly, and it crosses every professional boundary.

Addressing that gap requires more than awareness. It requires spaces where people across sectors and generations practice integrated thinking together, where a student, a crisis manager, and a community leader work through the same problem and leave with something they can use.

Education that treats these connections as the starting point is what gradually shifts that pattern. Students who develop that habit carry it into every role they take on, and professionals who train within the same framework bring it into organizations and institutions. The effect spreads outward, and it takes root most durably when learning happens across generations in the same room.

i4C.PH 2026, taking place November 3 to 5 at the SMX Convention Center, Clark, Pampanga, is built around that kind of cross-domain learning. The Youth Resilience Lab gathers up to 200 student delegates for two days of focused work on AI safety, digital trust, misinformation, and Design Thinking, within a framework that connects physical safety, disaster preparedness, cybersecurity, technology, and communication as a single system. Students apply the Four I’s and Four C’s as a practical checklist for evaluating their own solutions. The broader platform convenes senior professionals from energy, security, tourism, and crisis management, working through live simulation environments to develop shared operational frameworks. Students and experienced practitioners are in the same space, working on problems that concern them both.

Building resilient thinking across the Philippines takes years and happens across many kinds of spaces. i4C.PH 2026 is one of them. Click here to register now or scan the QR Code above. Or visit the i4C.PH Website to learn more. We hope to see you there.

The Hidden Cost of SaaS Link Building: Why Direct Specialists Can Cut Costs

SaaS companies with an established SEO strategy can reduce link-building costs by working directly with an independent specialist.

- Illustrative savings: At 12 links per month, $180 per placement plus an $800 retainer totals $2,960 monthly, compared with a $6,000 benchmark—a modeled 50.7% reduction.

- Why costs may fall: Established publisher relationships can reduce prospecting, negotiation, intermediary fees, and management overhead.

- Main trade-off: Specialists provide focused execution; agencies and in-house teams offer broader capabilities.
- Quality matters: Publisher relevance, readership, editorial standards, and transparent sponsorship practices should outweigh price or link volume.

The Hidden Cost of SaaS Link Building: Why Direct Specialists Can Cut Costs

By Leo Corado | Independent Link-Building Specialist

A practical look at placement costs, publisher partnerships, and choosing the right off-page SEO delivery model.

For SaaS businesses, link building can be one of the most expensive parts of an SEO program. Yet the final price of a backlink often reflects more than the publisher's fee. Prospecting, outreach, account management, marketplace charges, and intermediary margins can all influence what a company ultimately pays.

A leaner option is to work directly with an independent link-building specialist who already maintains publisher relationships and provides the tools and execution needed for a focused off-page campaign.

An anonymized SaaS engagement illustrates the potential difference: average publisher placement costs were approximately $180 per link, compared with a higher-cost sourcing benchmark of $500 per link. Including an $800 monthly specialist retainer and an average of 12 links per month, the direct-specialist model yields an illustrative all-in cost of $2,960 per month, versus $6,000 at the benchmark rate.

That difference represents a 50.7% modeled cost reduction, assuming similar placements and service scope. It is not an independently audited annual savings figure.

What the Costs Include

The price paid for a link is not necessarily its complete acquisition cost. Some providers bundle research, relationship management, content, and reporting; others charge separately. Comparing headline link prices without checking the inclusions can mislead buyers.

Monthly cost comparison: direct specialist vs. benchmark

12 publisher placements: Direct specialist: $2,160; benchmark: $6,000.

Specialist retainer: Direct specialist: $800; assumed included in the benchmark.

Separately billed outreach tools: Direct specialist: $0; assumed included in the benchmark.

Routine partner-post production: Direct specialist: $0*; assumed included in the benchmark.

Total monthly cost: Direct specialist: $2,960; benchmark: $6,000.

* Most placements were partner posts that did not require separately commissioned content; occasional guest posts can carry additional costs. The $500 comparison is assumed to cover equivalent deliverables.

At these rates, the direct-specialist model costs about $246.67 per backlink, including the retainer. The $3,040 monthly difference would amount to $36,480 if the same volume and rates held for twelve months. These annualized numbers are an illustration, not a record of twelve months of verified spending.

The Role of Established Publisher Relationships

Publisher relationships can reduce repeated prospecting and lengthy back-and-forth negotiations. A specialist who regularly works with relevant publishers may secure more responsive communication, favorable repeat-placement terms, and clearer editorial requirements.

This is not simply about maintaining a long domain list. The real value is knowing which sites reach the right audiences, which placements fit the topic, and how content can contribute something useful to readers.

More Control, Not Just Lower Pricing

In this engagement, the specialist reported an average output of 12 backlinks per month and a peak of 21 in one month. Direct execution also enabled closer coordination on publisher suitability, placement type, topical relevance, and timing.

However, there is no evidence presented here that rankings or organic traffic improved as a direct result. Link quality must still be evaluated independently, and a lower cost does not by itself establish a better outcome.

Choosing the Right Delivery Model

Full-service agencies can be the right choice when technical SEO, on-page work, content planning, and off-page execution need to be coordinated. Their broader expertise and management resources may justify higher fees.

Backlink marketplaces simplify discovery and purchasing, but inventory overlap, platform fees, and inconsistent editorial standards can reduce their value for some campaigns.

Full-time in-house hires provide close organizational alignment but involve recruitment, payroll, training, and tool costs.

Independent specialists offer focused execution, existing processes, and direct accountability. Their narrower scope is also a limitation: a link-building specialist is not a substitute for a complete SEO team.

Spend on Relevance, Not Just Volume

Publisher relevance, actual readership, editorial standards, and the surrounding content should carry more weight than an attractive price tag. Businesses must also distinguish genuine editorial outreach from purchased links intended to manipulate rankings. Sponsored placements should be transparently and appropriately qualified under search-engine guidelines.

For SaaS teams that already have a clear SEO plan, a direct specialist can be a practical way to reduce execution overhead and free up budget for other marketing work. In the anonymized engagement, the company reported redirecting savings into other SEO activities.

Ultimately, the right question is not which provider advertises the cheapest backlink. It is which operating model delivers suitable, transparent, editorially relevant opportunities at a sustainable total cost.

Methodology and disclosure

Figures are based on reported historical placement averages of $180 through direct publisher sourcing and a $500 higher-cost benchmark; an $800 monthly retainer; and standardized output of 12 links per month. Benchmark inclusion assumptions require confirmation. Rates vary by niche, competition, publisher, format, and content requirements. The SaaS company and other providers are intentionally not identified.

About Leo Corado

Leo Corado

Independent Link-Building Specialist

Leo Corado helps SaaS businesses and digital marketing teams execute focused off-page SEO campaigns through publisher partnerships, strategic outreach, and cost-conscious link acquisition.

www.leocorado.com

Zeinab Harake Parks, Casino Plus Light Up Bacolod for MassKara 2026 Electric Float Parade

 

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, 16 OCTOBER 2026 — Social media personality and Casino Plus brand advocate Zeinab Harake Parks brought star power to Bacolod’s MassKara Festival 2026 on Friday, joining the highly anticipated Electric Float Parade in the city where hundreds of cheering festivalgoers gathered for an evening of spectacle, entertainment, and celebration.

Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), served as the official presenter and a major sponsor of this year’s festivities. The gaming platform made a striking impression with its 21-foot emerald-and-gold float, which illuminated the parade route with an elaborate display of lights and festive design.

At the center of the showpiece was a jeweled masquerade mask featuring Whimsy, the official Casino Plus mascot. Neon-lit scrollwork and glowing mask motifs accentuated the float’s design, creating a dazzling spectacle against the night sky.

Riding on the float’s upper deck, Zeinab greeted cheering spectators and waved to tourists and Bacolodnons at Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds, joining the city’s vibrant celebration of smiles, culture, and community spirit.

Daniella Louisse Merelos, the first-ever Miss Casino Plus Bacolod, also joined the parade along with Zeinab, drawing cheers from the crowd as they waved to festivalgoers.

Named among the Top 5 finalists of Miss Bacolod MassKara, Merelos said the title is about more than glamour, calling it a chance to connect with people and take part in meaningful community experiences.

‘“MassKara is more than just a festival. It is an opportunity to bring people together, share stories, and create meaningful connections. I’m excited to experience the diversity, joy, and vibrant spirit that make Bacolod unique,” Merelos said in an earlier interview with Casino Plus.

The 25-year-old added that she looks forward to joining more Casino Plus activities throughout the festival, where she can meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

MassKara Festival’s most anticipated highlight

Hundreds of Bacolodnons and tourists lined up in the Megaworld Upper East area as early as 4 p.m. to witness  the electric float parade, as the event is considered one of the most anticipated highlights of MassKara Festival.  

Among them was Audi Johnson, who set up their foldable chairs for one of the most anticipated highlights in MassKara. Audi said his 3-year-old daughter personally wanted to see the lights. 

“Last year, ‘dun kami nakapuwesto sa dulo, hindi convenient kasi ‘di kami makapuwesto. Sa side lang ng kalsada. Mas kampante kami dito,” said Audi, who was accompanied by his wife. Asked what float he was most excited to see, he said, “Siyempre ‘yung Casino Plus!” 

Meanwhile, Marvin Cadapan, a tourist from Makati, said he was starstruck when he saw Zeinab, saying the “Reyna ng Good Vibes” greeted her with a flying kiss when Casino Plus’ float went by. 

Cadapan said watching the floats in the parade was one of his favorite highlights for MassKara, noting this is his first time attending the festivities.

“Sobrang saya kasi na-notice ako ni Zeinab [despite] so many people kanina. Very colorful ang float ng Casino Plus and malawak siya so kitang-kita namin ‘yung float ni Zeinab,” he said. 

‘Arat na!’ Zeinab Celebrates with Bacolodnons

The festivities continued at Lacson Street during Casino Plus’ takeover, where Zeinab joined the MassKara celebration and engaged with festivalgoers in an evening of music, entertainment, and interactive activities.

Casino Plus also treated attendees to exciting prizes, including JBL speakers, an iPad, and other giveaways, adding to the festive atmosphere and giving participants more opportunities to take home memorable prizes.

Beyond the entertainment, the MassKara Festival remains an important platform for promoting Bacolod’s cultural identity and supporting local livelihoods.

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation underscored the festival’s wider economic impact, noting that the influx of visitors generates business for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, local vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, production crews, and small businesses.

“When visitors come to Bacolod, they support hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, local vendors, artists, performers, mask makers, costume designers, production workers, and small businesses,” Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said.

Ascalon explained that the festival’s message, “Making MassKara Matter,” reflects its commitment to creating a positive impact beyond the celebration itself.

“We want the festival to have a positive impact beyond the event venues. We want the smile to reach the communities and the people who work behind the celebration,” he added.

Through its participation in MassKara Festival 2026, Casino Plus continues to bring entertainment and community engagement to one of the country’s most celebrated regional festivals, joining Bacolod in honoring the creativity, resilience, and joyful spirit that define the City of Smiles.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.