Be wary of 'cognitive hacking' to avoid scammers, says MCMC

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin, the chief regulatory officer of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has urged people to be aware of “cognitive hacking” in order to protect themselves from scammers. He explained that cognitive hacking occurs when victims are unable to think rationally and act based on their emotions, providing scammers with opportunities to carry out their fraudulent activities. Zulkarnain also pointed out that scammers use data mining to manipulate the thoughts and attitudes of their victims, giving them an advantage.

“Scammers now hack our mind so that our rationality will be silenced or stuck. What is important when we receive a suspicious call is to pause. This is because their tactics are to intimidate us and ask us to take immediate action in a state of fear, in which rational thought does not occur,” Zulkarnain said during an interview on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara on Tuesday (Oct 3) night.

In such situations, Zulkarnain advised individuals to take a moment to think, hang up the call, and seek a third party’s opinion or verify any suspicious calls themselves. He emphasized the importance of stopping and checking when encountering uncertain or doubtful situations, and encouraged individuals to develop this habit.

The MCMC chief regulatory officer’s comments came as a reminder for people to be cautious and critical of unexpected or unknown phone calls, especially those that generate fear or urgency. Scammers often use these tactics to manipulate their victims into making impulsive decisions without rational thought.

According to Zulkarnain, individuals need to be mindful of scammers’ attempts to disrupt their rational thinking process and to take steps to protect themselves. Pausing, seeking a second opinion, and verifying suspicious calls are effective strategies in preventing cognitive hacking and falling victim to scams.

As technology continues to advance and scammers become more sophisticated, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed and educated about potential risks. By being aware of the tactics used by scammers and practicing caution, people can better protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud.

With the increasing prevalence of scams, it is important for authorities to continue raising awareness and providing guidance on how to avoid falling prey to scammers. The MCMC plays a significant role in educating the public about cybersecurity and promoting safer online practices.

By staying vigilant and being mindful of cognitive hacking, individuals can safeguard themselves and their personal information from scammers seeking to manipulate and exploit their emotions.

Zulkarnain’s advice serves as a timely reminder for everyone to remain cautious and to prioritize their own safety when it comes to dealing with suspicious calls or requests.