It has been reported that hacking cases in Malaysia has increased by 55% over the past year. This includes loss of access to social media and instant messaging accounts.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) shared that there were 1,599 reports in 2020 and 2,483 reports in 2021.
They have since urged the general public to activate their 2-factor authentication (2FA) on their social media and instant messaging accounts to further protect yourselves from the risk of getting hacked.
“Such security risks make the use of 2FA more urgent, because the risk of hacking or account takeover can not only cause identity theft but it can also lead to fraud involving losses of thousands of Ringgit,”
“The first layer of security is generally a combination of the username and password, which has been used since the beginning. However, the use of passwords as the only security measure in cyberspace is weak and vulnerable to the risk of hacking or access acquisition,” they wrote.
Though, with 2-factor authentication, you will be asked to enter a login code or key in a special security code to access your account.
You’ll also be alerted when there’s been an attempt to log in from a different browser or an unknown mobile device, and you’ll be given a choice to confirm or deny the login attempt.
MCMC also provided a list of social platforms in which you can activate your 2-factor authentications:
“The public is also asked not to click on suspicious links received via email as well as to always stay vigilant and be wary of any phone calls or messages from any individuals (whether known or unknown) requesting you to share special codes such as security codes to social media and messaging application,” they added.
Stay safe in cyberspace!
Also read: PDRM on The Hunt For Robbers Who Blew Up an ATM in a Klang Convenience Store
