Beside computer, mobile devices such as mobile phone, has become another new mean for cyber crime. In June 2007, Digi subscribers had been attacked by SMS scam. Subscribers had been informed that their simcard has won RM 15,000 in cash and reload credit of RM 250 from a Digi contest. They were required to call a foreign 15 digits phone number in order to get their prizes. In the following month, Maxis subscribers had experienced the similar SMS scam. After the incident, both companies had alerted their subscribers to ignore these SMS and urged the public not to fall to these prey.
One year later, fake SMS messages purported from Shell Malaysia were being circulated around the country. In July 2008, Shell had reminded the public to ignore the messages as the company did not use text messages to communicate with its contest winners. This has proven that the situation has not been improved even after 1 year SMS spam had been discovered.
Recently, it has reported that money in Maybank account was transferred without the knowledge of the account holders who don’t even apply for PIN for transferring of fund via Internet banking facility. It was found that the account holders had disclosed their account information to others upon receiving a message stating that their simcards won a lucky draw worth RM15, 000 from Power Root Sdn Bhd and required receivers to dial a phone number.
Today, similar SMS spam still circulates around our country. As we can see that what the companies do are announcing and alerting the public of the threat instead of any action taken. Nevertheless, this is not adequate. New policies and strategies should be implemented to prevent this type of threat from occurring again as prevention is better than cure.
References:
http://blog.thestar.com.my/permalink.asp?id=24587
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/7/14/nation/18303050&sec=nation
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/7/25/nation/21916194&sec=nation
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