MANILA, Philippines--?ILOVEYOU.? Who wouldn?t be interested in an e-mail with that message?

Probably one who has heard of the billions of dollars worth of damage caused by the virus that spread globally from the Philippines in 2000, or worse, had opened the attachment (LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.TXT.vbs) and lived to tell the tale of corrupted files.

These days, many users are not even aware their systems have been infected. And the damage can be more costly and far-reaching.

?Viruses have turned into malicious programs. In the United States, for example, the biggest problem is fake anti-virus software that are actually malicious software (malware),? says Trend Micro?s senior vice president for global technical support, Michael Chang.

Malware can track IP (Internet protocol) addresses, record Internet behavior, and get personal and financial information, among others.

Some types can infiltrate social networks and collect members? data.

Databases of such information can be sold to third parties, who can then use them for identity theft or other illegal activities.

Chang says there are even malicious websites and web addresses now. Thus, first vulnerability is the naive Internet user.

Hackers are not just doing this for fun anymore. In the past 4 to 5 years there has developed an underground economy for the information they get. The black hats probably have more resources than us,? Chang says.

As businesses and individuals alike rely more on so-called ?cloud computing? (sharing resources, software, and information over the Internet), demand for more sophisticated data protection increases.

?This is a constant challenge,? Chang says.

Trend Micro has had to evolve from making the anti-virus PC-Cillin in the late 1990s to Internet Security solutions that integrate spyware protection, anti-spam and integrated firewall, among others.

?We study multiple vectors and employ more behavior-based rather than definition-based solutions since viruses can evolve quickly. We also collaborate with law enforcement agencies in protecting individuals and companies,? Chang says.

With data and web security work much more complex, Chang sees more work cut out for TrendLabs, Trend Micro?s global technical support and R&D (research and development) center based in the Philippines.

TrendLabs hosts anti-malware development and 24/7 customer support services for individuals and enterprises.

The TrendLabs site in the Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas Avenue is currently using up 75 percent of its capacity and is ready for seat expansion in the next two years, says Chang, who is concurrently site executive at TrendLabs.

?We are, right now, with around 1,200 people and we will add more over the next two years. We may have to convert some conference rooms to accommodate more seats or perhaps Tower 3 will be ready by then,? Chang says.

TrendLabs occupies one of the two existing buildings in the Rockwell Business Center.

The Philippine market not that large in terms of sales but it is a major site for technical support.

This aspect is seen to grow for Trend Micro and its customers, which range from individuals to banks, enterprises, and even government agencies.

As for the talent pool, Chang says that there are good prospects for top university graduates to join TrendMicro as programmers and engineers.

Trend Micro established its operation in the Philippines in 1998 and was known for producing anti-virus software such as PC-Cillin around the time when the ?I Love You? virus hit.

The company provides a solutions to queries ranging from product configuration to information on threats, virtual appliances, and software-as-a-service security.