PETALING JAYA: While blocking URL links in SMS messages may help in preventing scams, cyber security experts and consumer groups want stricter and more comprehensive laws to tackle the ever-changing spread of scams and cyber frauds.

Cybersecurity researcher at Universiti Sains Malaysia Associate Professor Dr Selvakumar Manickam said blocking a URL in an SMS message can be a helpful step in preventing scams, but it is not always sufficient on its own.

He added that more than 90% of malicious or phishing URLs are still being propagated via email, with the next common channel being social media.

“In fact, some scams may not even include a URL at all. For example, scammers may use social engineering tactics to trick people into divulging personal information or sending money.

“A scam has to be identified and eradicated at the source. The law that provisions severe punishment must be adopted.

“Otherwise, scammers will always find new ways to carry out their malicious scam activities,” he said when contacted yesterday.

The public had raised security concerns on their personal data safety after SMS spam messages became more personalised, sometimes containing personal names and information.

The Communications and Digital Ministry on Saturday (April 1) issued a directive to all telecommunication companies through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to block any URL link in short message service (SMS).

Selvakumar said there are some expectations for the government to improve user data protection in its amendment to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA)

“I believe the government is “overhauling” PDPA to address user data while being more stringent, current and relevant.

“We can only wait and see if the new updated PDPA lives up to the expectation of cybersecurity experts in the country,” he said.

Cybersecurity advocate Aidil Hidayat Rosli said stricter laws may be necessary to deal with the problem of SMS scams.

“While blocking URLs in SMS messages can help in preventing some scams, it may not be enough to address the root causes of the problem.

“Having stricter laws can deter scammers from engaging in fraudulent activities, and provide legal means for authorities to prosecute those who break the law,” he said.

This can include imposing harsher penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, for individuals or companies found guilty of perpetrating SMS scams, he suggested.

However, he said it is also important to ensure that any new law is balanced and do not unfairly infringe on individual rights or stifle legitimate business activities.

“Therefore, any new legislation should be carefully crafted and reviewed to ensure its effectiveness in addressing the problem,” he added.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) secretary-general Datuk Dr Paul Selvaraj said he is unsure if blocking URLs in SMS messages would be fully effective in stopping scams among consumers.

“This is because there are too many scams out there, and the authorities need to look at the issue more comprehensively.

“However, if such measures can reduce scams, we will support it,” he said.

Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) education officer NV Subbarow welcomed the government’s move to block URLs in SMS messages, saying that the issue should be curbed immediately.

“It is so common to receive such messages and I even received such SMS messages before.

“But I will normally just ignore it. My advice to consumers, if you are unsure of the links especially by anonymous senders, please just ignore it,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/03/blocking-urls-not-enough