Digital Attacks Involving Social Media Platforms

Since the pandemic, many community activities have shifted from offline to online, ranging from trading, social activities, work, school, to simply socializing with relatives or friends.

Unbeknownst to some, this situation has given rise to digital attacks, such as hacking, data breaches, and others.

Based on a report by the Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet) entitled "Indonesia's Digital Rights Situation Report 2021: The Pandemic is Under Control, but Digital Repression Continues" in February 2022, several platforms were targeted in digital attacks, both as targets and as tools for attacks.

WhatsApp was the most frequently targeted platform in 2021, with 62 attacks (32.1 percent). Instagram was second, with 43 digital attacks (22.3 percent). Websites were third, with 29 attacks (15 percent).

Telegram was the fourth most targeted platform, with 24 attacks (12.4 percent). Other platforms experienced 23 attacks (11.9 percent). Twitter was sixth, with 19 attacks (9.9 percent). Finally, Facebook experienced 14 attacks (7.2 percent).

Other platforms also experienced digital attacks, albeit on a smaller scale, including Gojek, the online transportation application. SAFEnet stated that this platform was also used as a tool for attacks through fictitious bookings.