Proximus Global, the parent company of Route Mobile, has introduced 365guard, an AI-powered solution developed by its messaging security firm, 365squared. The tool is designed to help mobile network operators (MNOs) detect and block SMS-based threats, including spam, fraud, and smishing.
In 2024, scammers stole $1.03 trillion globally, with SMS emerging as a primary scam delivery method in regions such as Brazil, Kenya, and the Philippines. Smishing—fraudulent messages disguised as legitimate communication—has become increasingly common. According to BICS, a Proximus Global company, 331 million smishing messages were detected globally in 2024. Each victim of such scams loses an average of $800, as reported by the IC3.
365guard addresses these challenges through AI-driven threat detection and analytics. Unlike traditional rule-based systems, its dynamic engine adapts to region-specific threats and evolving attack patterns. The platform operates in three stages: logging suspicious activity, alerting the MNO, and either blocking messages or tagging them with warning indicators, depending on the operator’s preferences.
The tool supports both P2P (person-to-person) and A2P (application-to-person) traffic and integrates with Proximus Global’s broader security suite, which includes Telesign and BICS. It offers cloud and on-premises deployment options for flexible implementation.
Proximus Global emphasizes the urgency of deploying advanced tools like 365guard as telecom fraud increases in scale and complexity. By using AI to identify and respond to threats in real time, MNOs can improve network integrity and user protection amid evolving regulatory landscapes.