MCMC: Ensure mobile apps are always updated

MCMC said it

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) advises mobile phone users to ensure that all applications installed on their devices are the latest versions.

"The public is advised to ensure that the applications on their mobile phones are updated.

"If there are any suspicious calls or messages from high-profile individual or parties, confirmation should be made first and avoid sharing any verification code received to ensure that the application is not taken over by a third party," it said in a statement on Tuesday (May 7).

MCMC said this following a complaint from a minister that his Telegram account had been hacked.

MCMC said there had been cases of fraud where a high-profile individual was impersonating and the fraudster tries to influence victims to download and install instant messaging applications such as Telegram and Viber on their phones.

"The victims are asked to share a verification code sent to their phones.

"Sharing this verification code allows the fraudster to take over the account, who then accesses (the victim's) account content such as the contact list," it said.

MCMC added that this would allow the suspect to use the compromised account to impersonate and dupe others with a fake message.

"The fake message can negatively impact the owner of the phone number, including associating their identity to criminal activities," it said.

MCMC did not mention the name of the high-profile individual, but it is believed to be Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad.

It was reported that Khalid had made a police report that his Telegram account had been hacked.

News portal Malaysiakini reported on Monday (May 6) that a hacker had taken control of Khalid's Telegram account and used it to try and scam one of its journalists.

MCMC also urged victims of such scams to lodge a police report so that further action could be taken.

MCMC said it was aware that the modus operandi of online scams kept changing, adding that it would constantly update the public to take extra precautions.

It also urged the public to be equipped and empowered through the Klik Dengan Bijak (Click Wisely) programme, which reminds Internet users on the importance of self-regulation.