BRI warns customers to be vigilant against APK file scams ahead of Eid al-Fitr holiday
Jakarta (ANTARA) – PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk has urged the public to safeguard their account security, particularly against files from unknown sources such as .APK file attachments, amidst increasing transaction volumes during the Eid al-Fitr holiday period.
Saladin Dharma Nugraha Effendi, BRI’s Director of Information Technology, warned in a written statement in Jakarta on Monday of the importance of exercising caution when filtering information, especially messages accompanied by files or links from unknown sources.
According to him, identifying threat indicators early is a crucial step in preventing unauthorised access to customer data.
“Collaboration between BRI and its customers forms the foundation for building a secure and comfortable digital ecosystem,” said Saladin.
When victims download and install such files, they can serve as entry points for malicious programmes (malware) designed to steal data, damage systems, and even take control of devices without users’ knowledge.
APK applications from untrusted sources can also request specific access permissions on devices and be exploited to monitor user activity, thereby creating opportunities for misuse of access to financial services stored on the device.
Saladin explained that digital crime patterns continue to evolve and demand strengthened collective vigilance.
“Security enhancements are undertaken continuously to protect customer data and transaction access. Customer security and convenience remain priorities implemented consistently,” Saladin said.
BRI urges customers not to click, download, or install applications from untrusted sources, and to refrain from forwarding suspicious messages, files, or links to others.
If customers receive messages that appear unusual—for instance, using an urgent tone, offering prizes, requesting data updates or “verification,” or including file attachments from unknown numbers even if they claim to be from banks or other important services—they are advised to verify the sender’s authenticity and conduct verification before taking further action.
Should customers inadvertently download or install a suspicious .APK file, the initial steps to take are to disable mobile data and Wi-Fi connections, then delete the installed application.
Next, customers should immediately change their username, PIN, and password for their BRImo account and linked email account, and perform a factory reset through device settings to ensure the device is clean of potential unauthorised control.
Customers should also block the sender’s number if the message is suspected to be fraudulent, and if suspicious activity is detected, they can immediately contact BRI’s Customer Service at 1500017.