fbpx
What Are the Cybersecurity Issues in Malaysia?
Search
Generic filters
Filter by Product categories







What Are the Cybersecurity Issues in Malaysia

17 Jan 2025

What Are the Cybersecurity Issues in Malaysia?

What Are the Cybersecurity Issues in Malaysia

Table of Contents

In an era where digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical concern for nations worldwide. Malaysia, with its rapidly growing digital economy, is no exception to facing substantial security challenges along with a blooming cyber threat landscape. But what are the specific cybersecurity issues faced by this Southeast Asian nation? Let’s explore the key challenges and threats that fellow Malaysians must address to secure their digital future.

Rising Cyber Threats

Malaysia has seen a significant increase in cyber threats over the past few years. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated. In 2023 alone, Malaysia reported over 10,000 cybersecurity incidents. These threats not only target individuals but also businesses and government agencies, leading to substantial financial losses and data breaches. The World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Risk Report highlights the urgency of these issues, ranking cybersecurity as the fourth most significant global risk over the next 2 years

Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness

One of the major issues in Malaysia is the lack of cybersecurity awareness among the general public and small businesses. Many individuals and organisations do not fully understand the importance of cybersecurity measures, making them vulnerable to attacks. This knowledge gap often results in poor security practices, such as weak passwords and unencrypted data.

Shortage of Skilled Professionals

The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia far exceeds the supply due to the significant talent gap. As per the statement of our Communications Minister, Fahmi Fadzil’s report last October, he recommended an estimated need for 27, 000 skilled cybersecurity experts by 2025. However, ambitious of a goal it might be, he said it is crucial to achieve it as currently, Malaysia has only 15, 248 workers currently active in the field. This shortage hampers the ability of organizations to effectively defend against cyber threats and implement robust security measures

Regulatory Challenges

While Malaysia has made strides in developing cybersecurity policies, there are still regulatory challenges to overcome. The implementation and enforcement of cybersecurity laws can be inconsistent, and there is a need for more comprehensive regulations that address emerging threats. The Cyber Security Bill 2024 aims to address some of these issues, but its success will depend on effective execution and compliance.

Increasing Digital Dependency

As Malaysia continues to embrace digital technologies, the dependency on digital infrastructure grows. This increased reliance makes the country more susceptible to cyber-attacks, ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities and phishing scams. Critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and energy are particularly vulnerable, and a successful attack on these sectors could have severe consequences for national security and public safety.

Insider Threats

Insider threats are a form of cyberattack where employees or contractors intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to an organisation’s cybersecurity. These threats can be challenging to detect and prevent, as they often involve individuals with authorised access to sensitive information and systems. According to the Ponemon Institute’s 2020 research on the cost of insider threats, the threats cost an average of $11.45 million, with 63% attributed to employee negligence. This type of high risk and unpredictable threat is always looming large and so organisations and businesses must implement strict access controls for employees and constantly monitor systems. This risk can also be mitigated by hiring ethical cybersecurity analysts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malaysia faces a range of cybersecurity issues that require immediate attention. From rising cyber threats and a lack of awareness to a shortage of skilled professionals and regulatory challenges, the country needs more cybersecurity heroes as the foundation of a secure and well-guarded cybersecurity landscape.

So, if you’re passionate about cybersecurity, start learning, get certified, and explore the world of cybersecurity today!

Be the next cybersecurity hero in Malaysia now with Infosyte by your side!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

AWS Authorized Training Provider                                 ·                                 Only VEEAM Authorized Training Provider in Malaysia                                                                                                                                                           AWS Authorized Training Provider                               ·                                 Only VEEAM Authorized Training Provider in Malaysia                                                                         AWS Authorized Training Provider                                 ·                                 Only VEEAM Authorized Training Provider in Malaysia   

AWS Authorized Training Provider                                 ·                                 Only VEEAM Authorized Training Provider in Malaysia                                                                                                                                                           AWS Authorized Training Provider                               ·                                 Only VEEAM Authorized Training Provider in Malaysia                                                                         AWS Authorized Training Provider                                 ·                                 Only VEEAM Authorized Training Provider in Malaysia