1 in 3 Malaysians cease deal with organisation after data breach

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- Thirty-two per cent of Malaysians have stopped dealing with an organisation following a data breach, such as closing their account, says 2019 Unisys Security Index(TM).

Based on the index, among actions taken included 30 per cent taking legal action; publicly exposing the issue on social media (25 per cent); and, publicly exposing to media (18 per cent).

About 14 per cent of Malaysians were also reported to have continued to deal with the organisation, but not online.

On the other hand, at large events, Malaysians are more concerned over the theft of credit card data (82 per cent) or personal data (79 per cent) from a mobile device when using public wi-fi, than a criminal attacking and harming event attendees (75 per cent).

According to the index, almost half of Malaysians said they had suffered a data breach last year, with the most common being social engineering scams - 19 per cent had been a victim of this type of attack.

CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer, Datuk Ts Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab says: "As Malaysians become increasingly aware of data threats, attackers have had to apply more sophisticated approaches, often using social engineering techniques to gain their victims' confidence and trick them into voluntarily sharing their information or making fraudulent transaction.”

The top three concerns for Malaysians continue to relate to data security, with 88 per cent concerned about bankcard fraud; 87 per cent on unauthorised access to personal information; and, 78 per cent on internet hacking or viruses.

Unisys is a global information technology company that builds high-performance, security-centric solutions for the most demanding businesses and governments.

-- BERNAMA