BRI Urges The Public To Avoid Illegal APK Installations To Protect Data

BRImo illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BRI appealed to the public to avoid installing applications from unofficial sources. Installation of APK (Android Package) files from outside the Play Store can officially open up loopholes for malware attacks.

BRI's Director of Digital & Information Technology, Arga M. Nugraha, said that in some cases, devices infected with malware are at risk of experiencing personal data theft, including banking account information, which can be exploited by irresponsible parties and lead to loss of funds deposited in banks.

"We urge the public to always download applications only from official sources such as the Google Play Store, especially for applications related to banking services. This is a very important first step to protect personal devices and data from increasingly complex threats," he said, quoted on Friday, December 3.

BRI also emphasized the importance of verifying application permits before downloading or installing applications, as well as regularly updating mobile banking applications to maintain customer safety.

In addition, BRI encourages users to activate the Play Protect feature provided by Google to detect and prevent malicious applications that can damage devices.

To avoid this, continued Arga, preventive measures that can be taken include:

1. Download apps only from official sources such as Google Play Store to ensure the security of installed apps.2. Enable the Play Protect feature on Android devices to scan and block malicious applications automatically.8:3. Enable installation options from unknown sources on device settings to prevent app installing from outside the official app store.4. Make sure the Accessibility Services ( Accessibility Service) feature is disabled in the Android setting to prevent misuse.5. Check app permissions (permissions) carefully, especially those related to sensitive data and device features.6. Always update mobile banking apps to the latest version to get additional protection from potential security loopholes.

Emergency Actions If Indicated For Hazardous APK:1. Immediately disable access to mobile banking applications or financial services on your device. 2. Call the BRI Call Center at 1500-017 to get immediate assistance. 3. Do a Factory Reset to return the device to a safe condition and minimize further damage.

BRI invites the whole community to be more vigilant and proactive in maintaining their digital security. By understanding and implementing appropriate protection measures, people can reduce risks and protect themselves from increasingly complex cyber threats," said Arga.