SOCIAL MEDIA USERS URGED TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY AMID RISING CYBERCRIME THREATS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Social media users need to be cautious in managing their accounts by strengthening security and privacy settings to address incidents related to cybercrime.

Universiti Putra Malaysia Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology (Strategic Management) deputy director, Assoc Prof Dr Nur Izura Udzir said users should take control measures such as using Two-Factor Authentication, fingerprint and facial recognition, and One-Time Password (OTP) verification.

"Users need to be cautious, suspicious and not easily deceived considering the numerous scams, as well as cyberbullying involving sensitive and provocative content. In addition to updating social media settings, users need to stay updated on current issues.

"They are also advised to avoid clicking on suspicious and unverified links and applications (APK files) that could compromise their devices and facilitate cyber attacks," she said on the ‘Malaysia Petang Ini’ programme on Bernama TV, today.

Nur Izura also emphasised that social media providers like WhatsApp and Telegram should be more responsible and demonstrate serious commitment to providing a secure platform to users by regulating content and transmissions.

"They need to commit seriously to combating commercial, child and social crimes such as pornography, drug abuse, piracy and others.

"Social media providers need to take this seriously as it is part of their social responsibility and should not only focus on profit," she said.

-- BERNAMA