It's okay to lie to avoid cybercriminals, says deputy minister

PARLIAMENT | Consumers can tell 'little lies' to avoid cybercrimes through the leaking of personal data, according to Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Jailani Johari.

"It is not necessary for us to provide fully honest information when we are asked to subscribe to something.

"We may tell some lies to prevent this (cybercrime) from happening," Jailani (BN-Hulu Terengganu) told the Dewan Rakyat during the question-and-answer session today.

He added that cybercriminals used to operate as individuals, but are now part of large syndicates. 

"These cybercriminals have their own modus operandi. First, they use hacking or phishing; second, they physically steal laptops or smartphones; third, they use social media to manipulate personal information.

"When we look at these things, we should not click on any links for websites we are not sure of genuineness," he said in response to a question from Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (BN-Tanah Merah).

Ikmal had sought confirmation from Jailani on whether the telecommunications companies sold the personal data of consumers, as reported in the news.

"(If so) what action will be taken against them?" asked the BN lawmaker.

Jailani only noted that the ministry had contacted telecommunications operators for feedback. -Mkini