‘DON’T ENTERTAIN UNKNOWN CALLERS’
Be cautious when sharing private info online or over the phone, say experts
DO not entertain call from telemarketers or scammers asking for personal data. Just end the call.
This, according to cyber security experts, is the best that the public can do as their data has already been leaked online following the recent massive data breach, involving 46.2 million mobile phone subscribers.
Information technology security consultant Fong Choong Fook said there would be a surge of calls made by scammers and telemarketers.
“Although the leaked data cannot be used to apply for loans and credit cards, it can be used for other purposes, such as scamming and telemarketing.
“Unlike phone numbers, we cannot change our identification card numbers. It is important not to reveal confidential information, such as bank account numbers. Just do not entertain the call,” said Fong, who is also an executive director at cybersecurity firm LE Global Services.
Akati Consulting Group chief executive officer Krishna Rajagopal said although the leaked data might seem trivial, the info could be used against other entities, such as financial institutions, to obtain valuable information that would give fraudsters in the black market a treasure trove of information about people’s personal and financial lives.
He added that the issue should not be brushed under the carpet and proper forensic investigation should be done and the root cause of the data breach should be uncovered.
“Its findings should be shared with the public as a means to rebuild public confidence on the sector as well as its related organisations,” added Krishnal, whose company specialises in cyber security.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Information Technology Centre deputy director Dr Mohd Rosmadi Mokhtar said the consumers should focus on good security practices when going online.
“They should keep their antivirus software updated, only log in on trusted websites, be careful with email attachments and popups as well as information that they share on social media.”
He said consumers should also refrain from posting personal information online.
“Change your passwords for online accounts regularly or use strong passwords.”
Meanwhile, telecommunications companies said they were constantly improving the security of their data.
A spokesman for Maxis said: “We would like to assure our customers that we are constantly improving the security of our information technology systems to enhance their robustness with a view to reducing the risk of cyber incidents.”
Celcom Axiata Berhad said the company strongly upheld and applied strict policies at all operational levels, both internally and externally, to ensure that customers’ personal data was protected from unauthorised access.