CIMB ups security after losing backup data

CIMB Bank's logo on a building in Kuala Lumpur. CIMB Bank is unit of the CIMB Group Holdings Bhd. (Photo taken by Hafidz for Star Online use.)

PETALING JAYA: CIMB Banking group has heightened security measures across all its channels of transaction following the lost of several magnetic tapes containing back-up data.

The bank said in a statement that the tapes have been lost in transit during routine operations.

It stressed that the missing tapes do not contain any authentication data such as PINs, passwords or credit card security numbers.

“Some of these tapes contain customer information of CIMB Bank and its subsidiaries. However currently there is no evidence that any of this information has been compromised,” it said in a statement.

In adopting a conservative approach to data protection and security, the bank was working with relevant authorities and taking all necessary measures to protect its customers. 

“We take our responsibility to our customers very seriously and we are confident the measures we have put in place will maintain the safety of customer transactions,” CIMB Group chief executive Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz said.

“Although this was an isolated incident, we have reviewed and further strengthened our security and internal processes to ensure that we remove the possibility of it recurring,” he said.

In response to this incident, the bank has heightened security measures across all channels, including temporarily suspending some services via its call centre such as change of address, telephone number or email address for banking/credit cards, third party fund transfer or payment for customers without T-Pin, as well as T-Pin creation or requests. 

While no action is required on the part of customers, CIMB recommends that customers be extra vigilant and when in doubt, refer only to official CIMB channels such as its website, call centre, and branches.

“We apologise for the inconvenience that our heightened security measures may cause to our customers in the interim. 

“Know that we are working very closely with all relevant authorities to mitigate any risk arising from this incident,” Tengku Zafrul added.

Meanwhile, Bank Negara, in a separate statement, said it was assured by CIMB Bank that necessary precautionary measures and mitigation actions have been taken to manage any possible negative impact arising from the loss of the tapes.

“Members of the public are advised to continue to be vigilant in safeguarding their personal information,” it said.

As these are back-up tapes, CIMB still has all customer information.