KUALA LUMPUR: Do not entertain call from telemarketers or scammers asking for personal data. Just end the call.
This, according to the cyber security experts, is the best that the public can do as their data already leaked online following the recent massive data breach, involving 46.2 million mobile phone subscribers.
IT 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 however can be used for other purposes such as scamming and telemarketing.
“Unlike phone number, we cannot change our identification card number. It is important not to further reveal your confidential information such as bank account number or just simply 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 may seem trivial, however the info could be use against other entities such as financial institutions to obtain valuable information that gives the fraudsters in the black market a treasure trove of information about people’s personal and financial lives.
He also said that the massive data breach should not be brushed under the carpet and proper forensic investigation should be done and its root cause should be uncovered.
“Its findings should be shared with the general public as a means to build back public confidence on the sector as well as its related organisations,” added Rajagopal whose company specialises in cyber security.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Information Technology Centre deputy director Dr Mohd Rosmadi Mokhtar said the consumers should focus on good security practices while going online.
“They should keep their antivirus updated, only login on trusted websites, be careful with email attachment and pop-ups as well as information that they shared on social media.”
He said the consumers also should refrain from posting personal information online.
“Change your password for online accounts more often or use strong password.”
Meanwhile, telecommunication companies when contacted yesterday said they are constantly improving the security of its 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 the robustness with a view to reducing the risk of cyber incidents.
“In the meantime, our customers should also exercise precaution when receiving information from unfamiliar sources and be on guard against scam emails and phone calls.”
Celcom Axiata Berhad said the company strongly upholds and applies strict policies at all operational levels, both internally and externally, to ensure that customers’ personal data is protected from unauthorised access.
“In reference to the recent news on data breach, we would like to assure the customers that their data security is of utmost priority to the company, and Celcom is working closely with the relevant authorities to assist in the investigations,” it said in a statement.
“Celcom would like to also put to rest fears that the leaked data could be used for SIM cloning.
“We wish to reassure our customers that whatever information that we have come across so far in relation to the reported incident, is insufficient for any parties to clone a SIM card.
“Celcom advises its customers to take precautions, stay vigilant online and to refrain from entering their personal information onto any suspicious or unauthorised websites.
“Should they have any queries, they can contact our Celcom Contact Centre at 019-601 1111.”