PHNOM PENH: Sharing personal information on the internet, particularly on social media platforms, could expose users to scammers and data intrusion, warned the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, in a recent announcement.
A promotional video released by the ministry highlighted the dangers of oversharing online.
“Just as there are scams, fraud and other forms of deception in real life, our online lives are equally vulnerable to such risks if we are not cautious and adequately protected,” said the video.
It explained that scammers often use stolen data to create fraudulent schemes, such as sending congratulatory messages claiming the recipient has won cash prizes.
“The question is, would you open the message?” it asked viewers.
Scams are also proliferating through messaging platforms like Telegram, where users report being added to groups or receiving unsolicited advertisements from unknown individuals.
“What if they already know your phone number or Telegram ID?” the ministry asked, noting that the rising time people spend online makes them more susceptible to such risks.
The ministry emphasised the importance of protecting personal information, including names, occupations, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, financial details and health records.
According to the ministry’s privacy policy, safeguarding such data is a key step in avoiding exploitation.
The ministry outlined various online activities that could inadvertently expose personal data.
These include posting photos and videos on social media, engaging with content by liking or commenting, accepting website cookies, making online purchases, using live location features and hastily agreeing to terms and conditions.
“These actions are tracked and analysed to predict user behaviour and preferences, which can significantly influence decisions and even lead to data misuse,” the statement noted.
The ministry also drew attention to the phenomenon of targeted advertising.
Sharing personal information on the internet, particularly on social media platforms, could expose users to scammers and data intrusion. Still from post ministry educational video
“Have you ever noticed that when you search for or talk about a product, you are later shown advertisements for it on platforms like Facebook?” the ministry asked, adding that such tactics often encourage impulsive purchasing.
Experts warned that personal information has become a lucrative asset for scammers, who can impersonate individuals to deceive others or damage reputations.
Despite the risks, the ministry clarified that users do not need to completely stop using the internet or social media.
The ministry advised individuals to exercise caution online by limiting the amount of personal information they share, posting only necessary details and carefully considering what others truly need to know.
Strengthening account security was also emphasized, with recommendations to use strong passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), which requires an additional verification code sent to a phone or email.
Additionally, it encouraged users to adjust their social media privacy settings to restrict who can access their personal information.
The ministry also urged users to be vigilant when dealing with emails, SMS messages or phone calls which request personal details. Regular software updates for phones and computers were recommended to maintain security.
Finally, they stressed the importance of raising awareness about online scams.
“Every individual has a responsibility to educate themselves about online risks and share this knowledge with family and friends to safeguard them from potential threats,” warned the ministry. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
