KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) chief Wilfred Yap wants the public to use only secure wireless networks when doing their financial transactions.
He said the public must understand that all personal information put online could be used by unscrupulous people to commit online fraud.
“Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system is the best defence against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
“Set strong passwords because a strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.”
Yap said phishing scams used fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information to the company, bank, or organisation impersonated in the email.
He added that it was important to keep personal information secure because hackers could use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer security questions in the password reset tools.
“Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
“Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with and secure your Internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password.
“When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https.
“Also, check to see if a tiny padlock symbol appears on the page. Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects.”
Yap, who is also Kota Sentosa SUPP chairman, was recently approached by an individual who alleged that an unauthorised online transaction amounting to RM38,428.62 was made on his two local banks.
The individual informed that two police reports were made. He also informed that till now, he had yet to receive any response from the police on the outcome of their investigations.
The individual concerned said that he had also lodged a formal complaint with the branch of the two local banks but the two local banks had yet to give him a satisfactory response.
“SUPP PCB has now brought the matter up with the police commissioner of Sarawak, and requested for a thorough investigation on the complaints of the individual and also update on investigations.”
SUPP PCBB can be reached at 016-7797688 or 082-246999 or the SUPP head office.
