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 SwissCham Indonesia 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, SwissCham Indonesia, 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, SwissCham Indonesia, 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 Integrity Indonesia PT. More information about Integrity Indonesia PT 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 Integrity Indonesia PT. More information about Integrity Indonesia PT is available on www.integrity-indonesia.com

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

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

Immoral behavior in the workforce can have dire consequences, for the individuals involved and the organization as a whole, like one case of sexual harassment allegation against a manager in a cosmetics company that recently went viral in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area.

When recruiting employees, companies often conduct pre-employment background screening to ensure safe and suitable hiring. But can this really guarantee constant and consistent accountability from employees? While pre-employment background screening can help companies make informed hiring decisions, it is important to remember that employees are human—their behavior and performance can, and most likely will, change over time. To keep up with these changes and make sure they are going in the right direction, employee monitoring and post-hire screening are required.

Employee monitoring refers to the practice of monitoring employees’ behavior, actions, and communications on an ongoing basis. This can include monitoring emails, phone calls, and device usage. While some may view this practice as invasive or intrusive, it can be a valuable tool in preventing legal liability and addressing security concerns.

Post-hire screening, on the other hand, is the process of conducting background checks on employees after they have been hired—most often performed when an employee is due for a promotion. This can include criminal history checks, credit checks, education verification if an employee claims to have gained a higher level of education during their tenure, and even social media checks.

 Objectives

Employee monitoring and background screening of existing employees are important practices for a number of reasons.

• Identifying potential ethical issues before they escalate. Suppose an employee is communicating with a supplier in a way that suggests a conflict of interest. By implementing these practices, this behavior can be identified and addressed before it results in any negative consequences. Similarly, if an employee is engaging in discriminatory behavior or harassment, the behavior can be identified and addressed before it causes significant harm to others.
• Protecting confidential information. The practices can aid in safeguarding confidential company information from unauthorized individuals. In fact, most of a company’s key access is held by employees who have worked there for many years. As a result, a core employee with extensive experience who occupies vital work posts and has access to company secrets in finance, IT, purchasing, or personnel, has the potential and opportunity to cause enormous losses to the company.
• Improving productivity.
• Identifying red flags. Anticipating and recognizing warning signs in existing employees’ histories can help organizations discover potential risks to the company. This can include criminal history, previous incidents of workplace violence, or issues related to substance abuse or mental health. By identifying these risks early on, organizations can take steps to mitigate them and prevent potential harm to the company, its employees, and its customers.

Methodology

Methods of conducting post-hire screening are not vastly different from those used in pre-employment background screening. The examination includes media, criminal, credit score, and residential address checks.

An aspect of monitoring that is surprisingly no less important is employee social media checks. Andrew Selepak, a professor of social media at the University of Florida, believes that “social listening” to employees’ social media activities is an effective way to conduct continuous employee monitoring. In today’s digital world, a person’s digital footprint is vital in determining the overall picture of one’s lifestyle.

That being said, it is essential to note that employee monitoring and post-hire screening should be conducted in a transparent and ethical manner. Employees should be informed of the practices and the reasons behind them to avoid uneasiness and discomfort in the workplace. Furthermore, organizations must ensure that the checks comply with the relevant laws and regulations, including data privacy laws, and signed consent from employees is vital.

People change. Indeed, human beings change—even the most virtuous employees. This is why preventive action by implementing continuous employee monitoring is the right step for companies to sustain an ideal work environment.

To implement this system, organizations must invest time and money, but in the long run, this effort can prevent substantial losses due to fraud.

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