Digital Transactions Rise, MSMEs Need to Understand Cybersecurity

Jakarta, KOMPAS.com – Understanding digital security is seen as an important need for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as the use of digital financial services in daily business activities rises. Not only are MSMEs expected to manage business finances, they also need to understand how to safeguard digital transactions, protect personal data, and recognise potential misuse of digital financial services. Audrey P. Petriny, Head of Corporate Affairs at GoPay, said financial literacy and the security of digital transactions are foundational for MSMEs to grow in a healthy and sustainable way. According to her, the increasing use of digital services in business activities means MSMEs need to understand the various risks that may arise in digital transactions. These risks range from digital fraud and misuse of personal data to the use of digital financial services for illegal activities. In a discussion session held as part of the financial education programme Pintar Bareng GoPay in Denpasar, Bali, Adam Ultra Sjahbunan, Senior Manager of the Consumer Protection and Education Division of the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Bali Province, emphasised the importance of financial literacy and financial inclusion so that MSMEs only access legal and OJK-licensed financial services. Business operators are also advised to align borrowing with their financial capacity to avoid default risk. Additionally, the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK) reminded that businesses should not be used for illegal activities such as online gambling transactions or as a vehicle for money laundering, whether directly or indirectly. In the same session, Zetra Iez Zaputra, Head of the Policy Implementation Unit SP, SP Licensing, and Consumer Protection at Bank Indonesia Bali Province, highlighted the benefits of using the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) for MSMEs. Specifically for MSMEs in Bali, BI noted that the QRIS Cross Border feature can help businesses receive cross-border payments from tourists from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and China. BI also urged caution in digital transaction security, including safeguarding personal data privacy and increasing vigilance against various digital fraud schemes. The broader use of digital financial services means MSMEs must understand not only the benefits of technology but also the accompanying risks.