Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, recently announced the launch of ID Security, an app-based solution to combat identity theft by scanning the dark web for personal data. According to CyberSecurity Malaysia’s MyCERT Incident Statistics 2018, 446 identity theft cases were reported in Malaysia, a 20% rise from 371 cases in 2017.
While identity theft is not new to Malaysians, the prevalence of digital devices gives cybercriminals increased access to valuable personal details, which are often manipulated for financial gain. Armed with the stolen information, identity thieves can assume their victims’ identities online and trick friends or family into divulging valuable information such as their mobile numbers and One-Time Passwords (OTP).
Additionally, the Movement Control Order announced on March 18 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus has also increased digital activity, as Malaysians sheltering at home turn to the internet for work and leisure. The Malaysian Police recently announced a spike in cyber scams where 249 cases were reported corresponding with losses of up to RM6.7 million between April 1 – April 27, believed to be a result of increased online purchases made as people comply with stay home orders.
“Cybercrime involving the theft of personal data, including identity crime and fraud, can have a significant impact on the lives of everyday Malaysians,” said Tim Falinski, Managing Director, Consumer, APAC, for Trend Micro. “As our lives have moved increasingly online, so too has identity theft. The vast amounts of personal data available online, which often is not protected to an adequate level to keep it secure from cybercriminals, is putting Malaysians at risk.”
However, while Malaysians are concerned about securing their personal data online, many continue to share personally identifiable information online. This includes their address details, date of birth, NRIC or passport number – all of which can be used maliciously if it lands in the wrong hands. A number of data breaches in recent years, including a massive breach in 2017 involving the data of more than 46 million mobile subscribers, have compounded this matter.
“While Malaysians are concerned about the safety of their personal data and its misuse, many may not realize that their actions are in fact putting this data at risk. Malaysians now consistently see the impact of frequent data breaches, but many do not actually know how they have been personally impacted. This is not because they do not want to but are unsure of how to track it themselves. This is why we have launched ID Security. With the rise in the exchange of data on the dark web, people’s data can travel further than before and with significant ease for cybercriminals. ID Security helps protect against this and give Malaysians visibility of their data.”
Trend Micro has launched its newest solution, ID Security, which combats identity and personal data theft through dark web monitoring. This tackles the rising concern around identity theft and data protection as the cybercriminal marketplace grows.
The app-based solution searches the dark web, a collection of websites on an encrypted network carefully hidden from popular web browsers and search engine, to find which data breaches leaked personal data and which accounts were affected. It can monitor and send alerts if information is found on the dark web, including email addresses, credit cards passwords, passport numbers and more.
Trend Micro ID Security uses sophisticated encryption technology to protect personal data and shield privacy. ID Security is available now online (via the website or app store), and in-stores soon as part of the Trend Micro Security Suite which includes Maximum Security, WiFi Protection and Password Manager solutions. The Trend Micro Security Suite is powered by the Trend Micro™ Smart Protection Network™, which blocked more than 180 million email threats and 12 million attempts to click on malicious URLs in Malaysia in 2019.
To find out more on Trend Micro’s ID Security, visit here.
