Terrorists can hack Pokemon Go servers, Malaysian police warn

KUALA LUMPUR — Pokemon Go can be abused by terror groups like Islamic State and cause a security threat here, police in Malaysia have said.

Dr Zafari Zulkilfli from Bukit Aman’s Social Extremist Threat division said the country might be in danger if the game’s servers are hacked by terror groups.

“Last time on Google Maps we can only see the roads, now with Pokemon Go which can be accessed anywhere, we are able to see everything.

“If it is hacked by Daesh, they will know clearly to target the country’s defence. This is not just a game anymore,” he was quoted saying by local daily Sinar Harian at a forum on Thursday (Aug 25) in Kelantan.

The police officer was also reported of saying Pokemon Go might be hijacked by terror groups not only to attack the country or places but can also be used to aim at individuals.

“Pokemon Go is more dangerous as it can record every moment wherever we are. The dangers of Pokemon Go is that it not only can be used to attack the country but also target specific individuals,” he added.

Dr Zafari also didn’t rule out the possibilities that the game was launched with a specific agenda which was to collect information from the masses.

The Pokemon Go phenomenon is based on a 1990s game but updated with the latest technology that superimposes virtual creatures onto real world locations, and allows players to view and capture them through their smartphones.

The augmented reality game that was launched in Malaysia earlier this month has taken the country by storm with people crowding popular locations like KLCC, major parks and shopping malls to catch Pokemon.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar previously warned that playing Pokemon Go at restricted areas can be considered as trespassing and action would be taken. THE MALAY MAIL ONLINE