PETALING JAYA: There needs to be greater expertise and awareness of cybersecurity threats to keep online fraud at bay, say criminologists and security experts.
While welcoming the efforts of the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), criminologist Datuk Seri Akhbar Satar said it must have enough resources to counter increasingly sophisticated scams and online fraud.
“Most importantly, you need to have enough expertise involving a combination of experts in their respective fields to address this never-ending issue,” he said when contacted yesterday.
The NSRC, which was formed on Oct 14, 2022, focuses on online financial fraud, including phishing, Macau scams, malware attacks as well as parcel and love fraud.
Citing the theory of routine activity, which is based on the idea that offenders make rational choices about whether to commit a crime, Akhbar said authorities must consider all possible aspects.
“A crime will only be committed if a likely offender thinks that a target is suitable and a capable guardian is absent.
“It is the offender’s assessment of a situation that determines whether a crime will take place.
“Therefore, the NSRC must eliminate these elements to improve the system,” he said.
The government must also provide more training to enforcement officers to cope with the more sophisticated social engineering scams that exploit the victims’ trust, he added.
“Proper training on how to respond quickly is the only way to restore public confidence,” he said.
Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association president Siraj Jalil said consumers should learn to protect themselves online.
“Awareness and education in cybersecurity must be bold and strengthened among the public.
“The government must conduct a compulsory cybersecurity education system at the earliest level such as kindergarten or primary school since they will eventually become cyberconsumers,” he said.
He added that SMS or URL blocking and the NSRC are only general mechanisms to combat cybercriminals or threats.
Cybersecurity consultant Fong Choong Fook suggested the government work with experts in the private sector.
“If they get the involvement of all parties, it will accelerate the efforts of fighting crime especially those committed online,” he said.
He added that the government should also look into regulating advertisements on social media as many scams originate from these platforms.
“It needs to be stricter and regulate advertisements on social media platforms,” said the LGMS Bhd executive chairman.
