PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has been ranked second in a survey involving 48 Asian countries, with 63% of the people expressing concerns over privacy and security of their mobile devices.
The report was released recently by Telenor Asia, a telecommunication company that accelerates mobile adoption and specialises in connectivity and digital services, apart from overseeing governance, strategy and planning for its Asian operations.
“Across Asia, nine out of 10 individuals are (concerned) about their digital safety. The top three countries to express concerns are the Philippines, Malaysia and Pakistan.”
Universiti Malaya Computer System and Technology Department senior lecturer Prof Dr Ainuddin Wahid Abdul Wahab said the high level of concern reflects the evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for comprehensive measures to safeguard personal information.
“Telenor’s data underscores a pressing need for enhanced measures in data privacy protection and digital safety.
“As our lives become increasingly digitised, individuals must be proactive and adopt secure practices, and companies must prioritise data privacy in their operations.”
Ainuddin said it is now necessary to provide and disclose personal data to service providers, even those abroad, as it is a crucial aspect of a globalised economy and interconnected world.
He also said external service providers play a key role in supporting functions such as data storage, IT services and customer support.
“Malaysia is an export-oriented economy that attracts foreign direct investments and many of our businesses operate on a global scale.
“Therefore, as multinational companies operate in the country, the exchange of personal data is essential for them to manage their global operations, coordinate cross-border activities and comply with international standards and regulations.”
Ainuddin said the sheer volume of data exchanged between financial institutions, government entities and service providers raises questions about the ability of individuals to fully safeguard their personal information.
“The report shows people are now more cognisant of the potential threats lurking in the digital realm. This heightened awareness calls for collective efforts from industry, policymakers and users themselves to effectively address the concerns.”
While emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private sectors in data protection, he said it is crucial to work together to ensure the public feels secure in the digital space.
He said this includes implementing robust data protection policies, raising awareness and fostering a culture of responsible digital citizenship.
On the Privacy Protection Act, he emphasised the importance of understanding how personal data is processed to make informed decisions, adding that the overarching challenge lies in striking a balance between privacy concerns and the efficiency of the systems used.
He also said the disclosure of personal data requires careful consideration to prevent compromising the security of individuals in the pursuit of economic and technological advancement.
Ainuddin warned individuals to exercise control over their data through opt-in or opt-out options, even when disclosing personal data to official entities.
“A growing trend among companies is to outsource functions like data analytics and customer support to third parties.
“The disclosure of personal data to government departments for eligibility verification in financial assistance programmes may inadvertently expose individuals to greater privacy risks.”
He said as technology continues to advance, the public and the government must remain vigilant in advocating for robust privacy protections that safeguard personal information from threats present in cyberspace.
