In a recent advisory, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has sounded the alarm on the rising threat of “cognitive hacking,” urging Malaysians to exercise caution and vigilance.
Key Hilghlights
- MCMC’s chief regulatory officer, Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin, sheds light on the concept of “cognitive hacking.”
- Scammers exploit emotional vulnerabilities, sidelining rational thinking.
- Public advised to pause and verify when confronted with suspicious calls or messages.
KUALA LUMPUR: The digital age has brought with it a new kind of threat – “cognitive hacking.” Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin, the chief regulatory officer of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has sounded the alarm on this emerging menace.
Understanding Cognitive Hacking
At its core, cognitive hacking is a psychological manipulation technique. Victims, overwhelmed by emotions, often fail to think rationally, making them easy prey for scammers. Zulkarnain explained that these fraudsters employ data mining, arming themselves with information that aids in manipulating their targets’ thoughts and feelings.
“Modern-day scammers have shifted their focus. Instead of just hacking systems, they now target our minds, aiming to paralyze our rational thinking,” Zulkarnain remarked during his appearance on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara on Tuesday (Oct 3).
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Guarding Against Scammers
The MCMC officer emphasized the importance of pausing when confronted with potential scams. Scammers, he noted, often employ intimidation tactics, pushing their targets into making hasty decisions fueled by fear. “In such emotionally charged situations, logical thinking often takes a backseat,” he cautioned.
To counteract this, Zulkarnain advises individuals to take a moment, disconnect from the suspicious call or message, and seek a third-party opinion. Alternatively, they can conduct their own verification checks. “Whenever in doubt, it’s crucial to stop and verify. This two-step approach is something we must instill in ourselves,” he stressed.
