Pokemon Go Possesses Security Threat Only For Those Obsessed

By Anis Nabilla Md Wazilah KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The latest global craze of a location-based augmented reality game, Pokemon Go, might be harmful and possess security threat if its users are not supervised and have become obssessed. Onemyr Awareness Management director Mohd Ridzman Azzahari said society must be equipped with knowledge on the right method to play the mobile application game, especially at government offices, without abusing public WiFi. "There should be a guideline on prohibiting this game to be played at certain places as enforced in a neighbouring country. Impose a ban on playing the game at government offices, security areas and the like. "Next, conduct a study on the level of obsession among the users and problems that might arise due to this game. "By doing these, we will have more effective control over this game. We cannot take other countries as examples for us to judge and ban this game," he told Bernama recently. Mohd Ridzman, who is also information technology consultant said he did not rule out the possibility the game could pose a threat to national security if the gamers were using the WiFi facility provided at government premises. He said if the 'monster hunters' used public WiFi at these areas, the IP (internet protocol) address would be exposed to internet hackers, making it easy for them to obtain vital government information for various reasons. "The most important thing here is not to abuse office WiFi for any personal reason, including playing the Pokemon Go. The relevant authorities must monitor this before it gets worse," he said. Echoing similar view was a CyberSecurity Malaysia spokesman who advised users to equip themselves with knowledge and procedures in using the internet and mobile applications in a positive manner. "The users should be ethical and prudent to ensure their safety and data stored in their digital devices," he said. On July 25, Communications and Multimedia Minister Dr Salleh Said Keruak said Malaysia would not object or prohibit the game from entering the country. Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar was reported as saying the game would be banned if it was found to have gambling and intelligence elements that might pose a threat to national security. Pokemon Go stirred a controversy in the country after the game application was made available for Android and iOS users on Saturday. The application, developed by Niantic Incorporation of Nintendo USA, was well-received extraordinarily when over 75 million people downloaded the game worldwide. -- BERNAMA