Security ● Move to unmask NRIC numbers is a step backwards

I refer to the articles on unmasking of NRIC numbers (Concerns raised over ease of accessing NRIC numbers from Acra portal, Dec 13; and Acra disables search function for NRIC numbers on portal for now, Dec 14).

- Daniel Yeo (Dr)

Some years ago when the Personal Data Protection Act was introduced, masking NRIC numbers was made a big thing and significant penalties were threatened for contravening the confidentiality of the NRIC for unauthorised use.

Now we are told that masking NRIC numbers is useless as they can be reverse-engineered, even from the last four characters.