Cyber security threats are increasing in Malaysia
SEPANG: Cyber security threats in Malaysia have increased over the past few years, especially in terms of the frequency and seriousness of attacks, said Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching.
She said last year alone the country experienced a number of serious cyber attacks including ransomware attacks, cyber espionage attempts, data leaks and cyber fraud.
She said based on statistics provided by Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM), the country recorded 4,741 cases of cyber threats last year, while this year as of February, 456 cases of fraud had been recorded.
“The National Scam Response Center (NSRC) received a total of 3,482 genuine calls which recorded a loss of RM27 million for January and February this year alone,” he said after the launch of #BeCyberSmart, a cyber security campaign and PROTECT 360, an all-in-one network security solution application, here on Friday.
The campaign will feature various initiatives including engaging with the people and promoting cyber security best practices, as well as promoting PROTECT 360 which is an application that provides complete security, privacy and identity protection on devices as well as protection against malware, phishing and hacking attempts.
Teo said the NSRC, which was established last October as a command center to coordinate rapid response to online financial fraud cases, receives more than 4,000 calls every month but not all of the calls are genuine.
“Cyber attacks can have very severe effects on individuals, businesses and governments, from financial loss to personal information breaches and disruption of essential services,” she said.
She said the Unity Government recognizes the importance of cyber security and cyber crime issues, and is therefore working to implement various initiatives aimed at protecting the people and national security.
According to her the commitment was reflected through Budget 2023 when RM10 million was allocated to the NSRC to upgrade equipment and start an awareness campaign and promote the 997 hotline.
