KUALA LUMPUR (March 20): Malaysia Airlines (MAS) staff and crew members have been advised by the company to limit their engagement on social media.
The advisory to staff seems to stem from attempts by certain parties to solicit information from airline staff via interactions on their social media accounts on missing Flight MH370.
It informed staff that hackers, particularly from China were testing the company’s security defences with intention to “penetrate into our network to deface our website to further damage (the airline’s) reputation.”
Staff were also advised to be exercise caution when using the internet as phishing activities have been detected. They were also told that viruses may be downloaded into unprotected computers through which confidential information can be acquired and cyber-attacks launched.
A cabin crew said there seems to be some credence to the company’s concerns as many of them have seen a surge in Twitter followers and Facebook friend requests.
“Since the plane went missing, I have been receiving dozens of friend requests from people I don’t know on Facebook. These people are not even friends of friends,” said the senior crew, adding that his colleagues are experiencing the same predicament.
“Most of us have refrained from adding them to our friends list, not only because of the company’s advice but simply because we have no idea who they are,” he added.
“We have also been advised not to be taken in or to rely on unverified and speculative reports in the media, but to wait for the verified report from the company which all of us receive through email,” he said, adding that the information divulged to the crew was usually the same as that announced in daily press conferences on the missing Boeing 777-200.
“We know as much as everyone else does, and I wish people would stop asking us if we know any inside information on the missing plane,” the cabin crew of 20 years said adding that he was tired of being asked all kinds of questions related to the incident.
Although tempted he has also kept himself from logging into Facebook.
“There are just so many comments and statements being made, some are insensitive and downright ignorant,” he said adding that he has to reign himself in to avoid responding to these.
"In addition, there is so much of information being shared online and it changes as the days go by, he said. I think it is best to keep away from these and rely on what is verified," he added.
The airlines, however has been active on Facebook, posting statements and messages to its 1.3 million “friends”.
The latest posting on Monday said: “Thank you for your support during this difficult time. As the SAR effort continues, updates will be released once new info is received”.
The responses from Facebook users have been largely sympathetic and encouraging.
Source: FZ
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