{
  "id": 19939165,
  "title": "Sharpen digital security literacy to avoid scams - Azalina",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/sharpen-digital-security-literacy-to-avoid-scams-azalina",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T07:21:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1577462/sharpen-digital-security-literacy-avoid-scams-azalina"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kota Tinggi: To guard against sophisticated online scams, internet users must bolster their digital security knowledge, according to Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. The rapid pace of technology and widespread smart device usage exposes individuals to the threat of data theft and unlawful fund transfers in mere seconds. While technological progress has made life more convenient, user vigilance remains the primary defense against repeated deception by cybercriminals, Azalina emphasized during the inauguration of the Kota Tinggi District Safe Internet Campaign Community Carnival at Dewan Kejora, Bandar Penawar.\n\nThe minister, who also represents Pengerang, urged the public to protect their banking information and personal identification numbers (PINs), as banks will not reimburse funds lost due to their own carelessness. In response, the government is reinforcing Malaysia's legal structure by enacting the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA), which aims to hold digital service providers accountable for combating harmful content and safeguarding users, particularly children. The act also includes amendments to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code to combat online financial crimes, such as the misuse of mule accounts, and to better protect victims of cyberbullying, harassment, and threats.\n\nJohor's Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) director Syed Isa Alsagoff reported that 588 Safe Internet Campaign programs had been conducted in Johor, reaching 10 districts and 38,049 participants by September. He highlighted the commission's dedication to enhancing digital safety awareness through advocacy and education initiatives for all societal segments. For 2026, MCMC Johor plans to hold 10 Community Carnivals across the state, with six already held in Kulai, Batu Pahat, Johor Baru, Kluang, Mersing, and Tangkak, and Kota Tinggi as the seventh venue this year.",
  "summary": "KOTA TINGGI: Internet users need to sharpen their digital security literacy to protect themselves from increasingly cunning and complex online scam syndicates.",
  "key_points": [
    "Boost digital security knowledge to combat online scams",
    "Protect banking info and PINs, as banks won't reimburse losses",
    "Malaysia's ONSA aims to hold digital service providers accountable"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Shifting the burden of defense to the individual underscores a legal landscape where user vigilance becomes the primary safeguard against financial loss and digital exploitation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}