The Add Yours feature on Instagram is being talked about because of the potential for misuse of personal data. Information Technology expert from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) Dr Ridi Ferdiana, ST., M.T., revealed that the challenges in this feature provide opportunities for fraudulent modes.
"In the case of Instagram, social engineering is done by inadvertently giving challenges that are not serious in nature such as nicknames, cat names, and so on. But it can provide opportunities for fraud, for example, using nicknames to pretend to be friends long ago commit fraud," said the lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, FT UGM, in a written statement sent by Public Relations UGMM to reporters.
Ridi said Instagram Challenge is basically a challenge activity directed by Instagram users to other Instagram users. The goal is to improve communication and interaction among Instagram users.
"This is very important for brand holders, companies, or figures who want to increase followers or communication traffic," he explained.
Through this feature, users can follow or start a challenge that other Instagram users can continue. For example, the challenge of mentioning your nickname, place of birth date, city you have lived in, and showing your signature.
He explained simply that what was done was that an Instagram user gave a challenge and then everyone who took part in the challenge would be rewarded with a hashtag. Then each participant of the challenge follows according to his instructions.
However, if Instagram users are not careful in sharing photos, personal data information and private data can be spread easily. "It could be that they share something personal. For example, a signature, ID card number, or other personal data," said Ridi.
According to him, the challenge is very dangerous because it asks for all personal information. Generally, this information is used for private activities such as banking and other legal activities.
Ridi said that the information shared in the challenge can be accessed by others and there is an opportunity for it to be used for irresponsible things or open loopholes for social engineering crimes.
Social engineering or social engineering according to the KBBI is the use of fraudulent means to gain access to computer systems that are protected by passwords or user identities. Fraud perpetrators take advantage of the victim's negligence to steal personal data from the victim. Then the data can be used by perpetrators for personal gain.
Ridi said that the risk of personal data theft does not only exist in the Add Yours feature on Instagram. The same risk also potentially occurs when social media users upload personal data. Any information shared on social media is at risk of being used by others for crime.
Continuing the appeal from Kominfo, Ridi asked the public not to be easily tempted by things that are trending because there is a potential for misuse of personal data. Furthermore, it does not spread or provide personal data to anyone claiming to be from a certain party.
If you get a suspicious call, immediately hang up and block the number. Then, save personal data properly. "So it's best to avoid sharing personal data on social media," he said.
Then what information or things should not be shared on social media? Ridi said that in developed countries such as America there is the term Personal identifiable information (PII), which is all information that is unique and attached to a person does not have the right to be notified publicly.
One of them is personal data such as date of birth, ID card number, telephone number, photo of family card, full name of family member, password, PIN. Then, privacy-related data such as nicknames, first names, cat names, car plates, workplaces, bank account numbers, and even emails.
"In general, the data submitted is confidential data unless requested by a party that you know or know is legal, such as the Bank when you are at the Bank. All of these things also have procedures that can be asked clearly from the party who has the information. web, for example, the content of the required data is minimal," he explained.
Ridi also shared tips to be safe in using social media, especially in terms of information technology. The steps that can be taken are to use original software, both from the OS and the software used. Currently, like Windows 11, it is available for free and legally for Windows 10 laptop owners.
In addition to updating or updating the operating system regularly. Likewise, passwords need to be updated regularly. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords such as birthdays, pet names, and car plate numbers.
Next, enable the Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) service for critical access. For example, combining passwords with SMS or using biometrics such as fingerprints for banking access or others.
Then try not to open pornographic sites, gambling, or those that are unclear and unlicensed. Don't share passwords or use shared accounts.
"Don't just open a link, especially one that offers tempting and unreasonable offers," concluded Ridi.
