This publication is authored by and reflected the views and opinion of PT Integrity Indonesia. More information about PT Integrity Indonesia is available on www.integrity-indonesia.com.

Have you ever pondered the authenticity of the cheese gracing your pasta? Surprisingly, the cheese world is not immune to the rise of counterfeit foods.  

In recent years, the culinary world has witnessed a concerning rise in counterfeit foods, and one particular victim of this deceptive trend is cheese. The proliferation of fake cheese products has become a serious issue, leaving consumers grappling with the challenge of differentiating between genuine artisanal cheeses and their synthetic counterparts. 

The original, fake Parmigiano-Reggiano 

Imagine, the iconic Parmigiano – Reggiano, a 90-pound wheel of cheese, celebrated for its unrivaled quality and rich heritage. Rooted in the Middle Ages, this cheese earned the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Union in 1996.  

Stringent regulations dictated that Parmigiano-Reggiano, the only variation that was rightfully labeled as “Parmesan” within Europe, must be crafted exclusively in a specific region of northern Italy, adhering to precise weight and maturation processes in the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia. 

With just three ingredients – milk (produced in less than 20 hours), salt, and rennet – Parmigiano-Reggiano boasts a meticulous production process that, while maintaining quality, inevitably results in higher costs. 

This, in turn, creates an opportunity for counterfeiters to replicate the cheese at a lower price, often with the addition of ingredients like potassium sorbate, cheese cultures, and cellulose (wood pulp). 

The Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Consortium, the governing body overseeing production, estimates the global turnover of counterfeit Parmesan to exceed $2 billion, underscoring the lucrative nature of this deceptive trade. 

Chip in the cheese 

In response to the escalating demand for authenticity, brands are deploying cutting-edge technologies to safeguard their products. 

Microchips, discreetly embedded within cheese wheels, serve as a potent weapon against counterfeiters. Although consumers may not directly encounter these microchips, hidden within discarded labels, their significance lies in the security they provide.  

Rigorous testing, including exposure to simulated stomach acid for three weeks, ensures that these microchips pose no harm to consumers, highlighting the commitment of brands to protect their products and reputation. 

Safeguard prestigious brands 

Parmigiano-Reggiano is not alone in leveraging technology to ensure authenticity. Across Europe, various food producers are exploring tech-driven strategies. One such innovation involves DNA fingerprinting of milk bacteria, enabling precise identification of cheese varieties and guaranteeing consumers receive what they pay for. 

As advanced technologies like microchips, holograms, and DNA fingerprinting become the new norm for certifying products, a collective effort from consumers, producers, and regulatory bodies becomes imperative in battling fake cheese. 

By staying informed, scrutinizing labels, and supporting authentic producers, we can play a pivotal role in preserving the rich tradition and quality that genuine cheese brings to our tables. Let us not allow the fake cheese to cast a shadow on the true artistry and flavor of this beloved culinary delight.

This publication is authored by and reflected the views and opinion of PT Integrity Indonesia. More information about PT Integrity Indonesia is available on www.integrity-indonesia.com.

Jakarta, 2 August 2023  – The spirit of unity and friendship between Switzerland and Indonesia was celebrated at the Ayana Midplaza Hotel on the 1st of August, in commemoration of Swiss National Day. This year’s celebration held special significance as it marked the 175th anniversary of the federal constitution, established in 1848. The event, attended by over 800 guests, marked a significant milestone as the first major celebration held after the pandemic. Distinguished and important guests graced the occasion, including Federal Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Ibu Retno Marsudi, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Tran Duc Binh, and other esteemed personalities.

The highlight of the evening was the presence of Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, whose attendance added special significance to the celebration. His presence demonstrated the deepening and thriving relations between Switzerland and Indonesia, and allowed the Swiss community in Indonesia to meet Federal Councilor Cassis.

The celebration was further embellished by performances from renowned artists Raisa and Josh Kunze. Both artists enthralled the audience with their renditions of the national anthems of Indonesia and Switzerland, symbolizing the harmony and cultural exchange between the two nations.

The event showcased the generous support from 26 sponsors, whose invaluable contributions made this celebration a resounding success. Notably, PT. Eigerindo Multi Produk Industri, and Indonesia SwissCham members, PT. Endress+Hauser Indonesia, PT. KOLTIVA, PT. Nestlé Indonesia, and PT. SICPA Peruri Securink played a vital role in enriching the festivities by setting up booths as part of the celebration.

During the event, the Ambassador, Federal Councilor, and Indonesian Minister delivered speeches that emphasized the strong bilateral ties shared by Switzerland and Indonesia. They highlighted the common values and achievements that have been accomplished through mutual cooperation. The speeches emphasized the hope for even deeper and more positive bilateral relations in the future.

Swiss National Day, commemorating the signing of the Federal Charter of 1291, holds a significant place in the hearts of the Swiss people. The holiday became official throughout Switzerland following a 1993 referendum. Bonfires and fireworks illuminate the skies across Switzerland on 1st August, symbolizing the unity and resilience of the Swiss nation.

In conclusion, the Swiss National Day celebration at Ayana Midplaza Hotel served as a testament to the unwavering friendship between Switzerland and Indonesia. The event showcased the commitment of both nations to continue fostering good bilateral relationships, strengthening cultural ties, and achieving mutual prosperity.

There was also instrumental support from us, Indonesia SwissCham, and other SwissCham members, such as PT. ABB Sakti Industri, PT. Anugerah Pharmindo Lestari, Asia Green Real Estate, Bahar, PT. Berca Schindler Lifts, PT. Bühler Indonesia, PT. Clariant Indonesia, PT. Georg Fischer Indonesia, PT. Givaudan Indonesia, Gran Meliá Jakarta, Integrity Indonesia, PT. Novartis Indonesia, Regal Springs Indonesia, PT. Roche Indonesia, PT. SICPA PERURI SECURINK, Sika Indonesia, PT. Star Software Indonesia, Indonesia SwissCham, Time International, PT. TUNAS TASIK, and PT. Zurich, as well as KADIN Indonesia.

This publication is authored by and reflected the views and opinion of PT Integrity Indonesia. More information about PT Integrity Indonesia is available on www.integrity-indonesia.com

Recently, Germany enacted a new law, the German Whistleblower Protection Act (GWPA), aimed at protecting individuals who courageously report violations, corruption, or illegal activities within organizations. The inception of this law can be attributed to the mandate from the European Union, as Germany, being a member country, plays an important role in safeguarding whistleblowers.

A crucial aspect of the GWPA is providing robust protection to whistleblowers against retaliatory actions. The law establishes that individuals who report violations have the right to be shielded from dismissal, discrimination, forced transfers, or any other career obstacles that might result from their reporting. This assurance empowers whistleblowers to disclose violations with confidence, knowing their identities will be kept confidential unless they choose otherwise. 

As we explore the implications of GWPA, it’s worth exploring how this legislation might inspire similar initiatives in other countries.

Unlike Germany, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, therefore, is not directly bound by the same obligation. Nevertheless, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of comprehensive whistleblower protections in the country. Some Swiss cantons have taken steps to provide a certain degree of protection for whistleblowers.

For instance, the canton of Basel-Stadt has enacted laws aimed at safeguarding whistleblowers employed in public institutions. Additionally, cities like Bern, Winterthur, and Zurich have recently established anonymous reporting facilities. A notable development occurred in January 2022 when the canton of Geneva adopted a legal framework that permits reporting anonymity and ensures the confidentiality of the whistleblower’s identity within territorial administration, parliament, judiciary, universities, public legal institutions, and municipal authorities.

Effective Mechanisms for Preventing Business Ethics Violations

To ensure ethical practices and prevent business ethics violations, companies, vendors, and supply chains must adopt effective measures in line with the GWPA. Some of the mechanisms that can be implemented to foster a culture of integrity and responsibility within organizations, include the following:

1. Clear and Robust Code of Ethics

First and foremost, companies should establish clear and robust policies regarding their code of ethics. These policies need to be effectively communicated to all stakeholders through consistent socialization, whether through company newsletters, social media platforms, or training sessions. By making employees and partners aware of the ethical standards expected, the organization sets the groundwork for ethical behavior.

2. Understanding Legal and Reputational Consequences

Companies must ensure that all individuals within the organization understand the potential legal and reputational consequences of engaging in harmful practices. This awareness instills a sense of responsibility and emphasizes the importance of acting ethically. Regular training sessions and workshops can be conducted to reinforce this understanding and keep employees informed about current ethical guidelines and regulations.

3. Upholding Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability should be core principles upheld at every stage of an organization’s operations. Companies need to ensure that every process is carried out diligently and based on objective assessments. Internal auditors can play a crucial role in verifying compliance with established procedures and policies, providing an unbiased perspective on the organization’s adherence to ethical guidelines.

4. Implementing Rigorous Oversight Mechanisms

Companies should establish rigorous oversight mechanisms to prevent opportunities for violations and unethical practices. A clear division of responsibilities, segregation of duties, and an open reporting system should be integral to the organization’s supervisory practices. This not only deters potential violations but also facilitates timely disclosure of any unethical behavior that might occur.

Examining prominent cases, such as the bribery involving Goldman Sachs, fraud in the Vatican Landmark, and the Base Transceiver Station mega corruption case, provides valuable insights for companies to enhance their integrity, strengthen oversight mechanisms, and maintain accountability. By drawing lessons from these cases, organizations can promote transparency, encourage violation disclosures, and respond appropriately to such ethical breaches.

Preventing Retaliation: Strengthening Whistleblower Reporting

It is important for companies to adopt effective procedures to prevent retaliation against whistleblowers who report harmful violations within the organization. However, concerns such as distrust in the reporting process and fear of retaliation can hinder individuals from reporting such incidents.

One effective solution is to involve a third party. Canary Whistleblowing, for example, can offer secure and encrypted channels for whistleblowers to report violations anonymously. The main advantage of involving a third party lies in the independent investigation conducted on the received reports.

By involving an impartial third party, potential biases or conflicts of interest that may arise when handling internal incidents can be minimized. Internal reporting can sometimes lead to conflicts of interest or attempts to conceal violations. Involving an independent third party ensures objectivity and transparency throughout the investigation process, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and integrity. This approach provides whistleblowers with the assurance that their reports will be taken seriously and without fear of negative consequences.

This publication is authored by and reflected the views and opinion of PT Integrity Indonesia. More information about PT Integrity Indonesia is available on www.integrity-indonesia.com

This publication is authored by and reflected the views and opinion of PT Integrity Indonesia. More information about PT Integrity Indonesia is available on www.integrity-indonesia.com

Approximately 68.4 million Americans — in other words, almost one in every three — have lost money as a result of mobile phone scams. The total cost approximates to at least $40 billion. One notable scam technique that has recently come into the limelight is Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-swapping.

Since mobile phones have evolved into extensions of our identities, used for everything from online banking and storing private information to conducting business and using services, it is paramount that we recognize the top three common strategies scammers employ to swindle mobile users to potentially safeguard our lives and livelihood.

Mobile scam techniques: Calls, texts messages, and more

1. Vishing

Vishing, also known as voice phishing, is a variation of phishing in which con artists call unwitting victims while posing as known companies or even close relatives. Attackers may employ a combination of fear-mongering and emotional blackmail to win the victim over and trick them into performing an activity.

Additionally, robocalls — scam calls that use recordings rather than real people — are a typical vishing technique. In 2021, Americans received 50.5 billion robocalls, the most often reported complaint to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

2. SMS Phishing

The trick most frequently used in mobile phone scams is SMS phishing. In SMS phishing, text messages typically begin with a link (using an abbreviated URL) to a survey, prize notice, sweepstake, or lottery, or even an “urgent message” regarding your bank account, credit card, or tax refund.

On a page that is under the control of attackers, victims are usually required to visit a website, download an application, input login information, or complete a form. Attackers seize the victim’s credentials, bank account, or other sensitive information when the victim takes the intended action, or they infect the device with malware to carry out their plan.

3. SIM Swapping

SIM swapping is a fraudulent practice in which a mobile SIM card is transferred to the possession of a con artist, who then uses it to steal the victim’s banking information or digital identity.

More about SIM-swapping

In this era of prevailing digital transactions, mobile phones are often used for authentication purposes by banks. If scammers can somehow gain access to a phone’s SIM card, they can possibly take control of text messages, emails, and other sensitive information.

The scam typically begins with the attacker obtaining personal information about the victim, such as their name, address, and phone number, through various means of open-source intelligence (OSINT), phishing attack, and/or data breaches. This way, the scammer can gather all the fundamental information necessary to SIM-swap your phone number. Armed with this information, the scammer then 

contacts the victim’s mobile service provider, posing as the victim, and requests the transfer of the phone number to a new sim card under their control. This process is often facilitated through the clever use of social engineering tactics.

Scammers employ various techniques to convince phone carriers to swap phone numbers, effectively bypassing supposedly extensive security measures. By manipulating call center representatives with false stories or urgent requests, scammers exploit human vulnerabilities to gain control over the victim’s phone number.

Once the SIM swap is successful, the fraudster gains access to the victim’s phone calls and text messages, and more importantly, the criminal can now receive text messages on behalf of the victim and take advantage of two-factor authentication (2FA) systems linked to the victim’s online accounts. In early 2022, the FBI issued a warning, detailing $68 million in damages linked to SIM-swapping.

OSINT: A danger and a savior

Due to the digital nature of the crime and the need for coordination between various entities, including law enforcement agencies, mobile service providers, and cybersecurity specialists, investigating SIM-swapping cases can be challenging. The investigation begins with the gathering of evidence, which may include analyzing phone records, obtaining SIM card information, and tracking financial transactions associated with the scam.

It has recently become the norm for large institutions to record phone calls between their customers and customer service department. This was initially intended for auditing purposes but is now also done for security reasons and used as proof for victims of such scam cases.

Law enforcement agencies and private investigators play a vital role in conducting thorough investigations, often requiring expertise in digital forensics and collaboration with international counterparts in cases involving cross-border criminal activities. The use of OSINT is invaluable during these investigations, as it allows investigators to gather publicly available information about the scammer, such as social media profiles or accounts/comments on online forums where they may discuss their activities.

OSINT also enables investigators to monitor these public platforms for discussions related to SIM-swapping techniques, potential targets, or even the sale of personal information. By identifying these discussions, investigators can proactively intervene, gather intelligence, and potentially prevent future attacks on unaware victims.

Preventing and protecting against SIM-swapping scams

Preventing SIM-swapping scams requires a combination of individual vigilance and industry-wide efforts. As individuals, we can take several proactive measures to protect ourselves.

First and foremost, it is crucial to safeguard personal information by practicing good cybersecurity hygiene. This includes using strong, unique passwords for all online accounts, enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible, and being cautious of suspicious emails, calls, or text messages requesting personal information. It is important to note that if you are unsure of a call or message you are receiving, it is recommended to hang up right away and directly contact the concerned institution through their official phone number to see whether the received call or SMS is real and authorized.

Mobile service providers also have a responsibility to implement robust security measures to mitigate the risk of SIM swapping. This involves verifying the identity of customers more rigorously before approving any SIM card transfers and implementing additional security layers to protect customer accounts from unauthorized access.

This publication is authored by and reflected the views and opinion of PT Integrity Indonesia. More information about PT Integrity Indonesia is available on www.integrity-indonesia.com