Discover How to Safeguard Personal Data from Criminal Risks

Discover How to Safeguard Personal Data from Criminal Risks

The security of personal data is an increasingly crucial issue in the ever-expanding digital era. The rapid advancement of information technology often renders data leaks a vulnerable target for misuse by unscrupulous parties. Nowadays, personal details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and financial information can all fall prey to criminal activities.\

Threats like data breaches, fraud, identity theft, and privacy infringements lurk at every turn of our online endeavors. According to the 2023 World Security Report survey, Indonesia is projected to face the second-largest impact from sabotage, phishing, and social engineering this year. This underscores the substantial challenges in information security that demand attention from various stakeholders to brace for the burgeoning technological landscape.

As a response to these concerns, on October 17, 2022, Law Number 27 of 2022 regarding Personal Data Protection, containing provisions concerning data security and mitigation measures, was enacted as a testament to the Government's commitment to upholding the privacy rights and information security of every individual.

So, what are the pivotal aspects that warrant the public's attention in safeguarding personal data security? And what are some simple strategies to shield our privacy and thwart falling victim to criminal activities? Delve into the following comprehensive overview to find out!

Types of Personal Data that Need to be Protected

The Personal Data Protection Act governs various facets of data security, including the classification of personal data into two categories. Personal data, as defined in Article 1, Clause 1 of Law No. 27 of 2022, encompasses information about individuals that can be identified separately or in combination with other data, whether directly or indirectly, through electronic or non-electronic systems.

There are at least two types of personal data that merit attention:

1. Specific Personal Data

Specific personal data refers to information that, if processed, could significantly impact the individuals linked to it.

Such impacts may include discrimination and substantial losses. Examples of personal data falling under this category include:

1. Health data and information, such as medical histories and laboratory test results
2. Biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial features, or voiceprints
3. Genetic data, such as DNA information
4. Criminal records, such as criminal histories or legal infractions
5. Data concerning minors, such as information about children under the age of majority
6. Personal financial data, such as details about income, assets, or individual debts
7. Any other data stipulated by statutory regulations.

2. General Personal Data

General personal data is the type of personal information that is typically identifiable by many individuals. Some examples of personal data falling into this category include:

1. Full name
2. Gender
3. Nationality
4. Religion
5. Marital status
6. Personal data combined for the purpose of identifying an individual, such as a combination of various personal data points used to specifically identify someone.

Protecting Personal Data Security from Criminal Risks

It's not just cyberattacks; human errors like carelessness in storing personal data or using easily guessed passwords can also lead to personal information leaks. If not adequately mitigated, these oversights can have serious consequences for us, increasing the risk of becoming targets of crime.

To address this, Jalin shares some tips on protecting personal data security to avoid falling victim to criminal activities:

1. Avoid sharing sensitive information with others or on social media platforms

Examples of sensitive information that shouldn't be shared include:

• Identification numbers like National Identity Numbers (NIK), Family Card numbers (KK), Taxpayer Identification Numbers (NPWP), or student/employee ID cards.
• Phone numbers
• Digital account passwords, such as email passwords, mobile banking passwords, and passwords for various applications.
• ATM PIN codes and digital transaction information
• Signatures and initials
• Full addresses and family information
• Document photos, such as ID card photos, certificates, transaction receipts, and other sensitive documents
• Geolocation that can indicate our current position

2. Strengthen account security to combat the rising complexity of cyber threats

Effective measures include using strong, unique passwords for each account, avoiding easily guessable personal information as passwords (like birthdates, addresses, phone numbers, or long names), and utilizing unique combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for passwords, with a minimum length of 12 characters. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) where possible can also help minimize unauthorized access.

3. Exercise caution with unknown links, as they pose significant risks to online security

Given the increasing prevalence of phishing and malware attacks on commonly used applications, clicking on unknown links can compromise personal information and device security. To minimize these risks, always verify the source of links before clicking on them, avoid suspicious links or those requesting personal information, and use security software to identify and filter potentially harmful links.

4. Regularly update applications and software to maintain device security and optimal performance

Updates not only address bugs and security vulnerabilities but also enhance feature functionality. Enable automatic updates on devices, utilize the application update feature on platforms like the App Store or Google Play Store, and periodically check the official websites of application developers for the latest updates. By following these steps, you can ensure that your devices remain secure and perform at their best.

Protecting the security of personal accounts is a critical step in today's digital era. With the rise in cyberattacks targeting personal information, protective measures are becoming increasingly vital. Despite the Government's enactment of regulations on Personal Data Protection through Law Number 27 of 2022, it remains our responsibility to actively contribute to safeguarding our own data security to evade criminal activities.

This begins with using strong, unique passwords for each account, enabling two-factor authentication where possible, and consistently updating software and applications used. Additionally, it's crucial to refrain from sharing personal information or passwords via email or text messages and to remain vigilant against phishing attempts, often leading to scams. By adhering to these measures, individuals can bolster the security of their personal accounts and mitigate the risk of identity theft and privacy breaches.

For those seeking further insights into consumer data protection, Bank Indonesia, alongside OJK, Kominfo, ASPI, and industry stakeholders, has launched the "Generasi PeKA" campaign. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness about consumer data protection and transaction security. With the hashtag #KonsumenCerdasPeKABertransaksi, it's envisioned that the public can take preemptive measures to safeguard their privacy and propagate awareness to others. Visit Instagram @genpeka_ for comprehensive information.