Kaspersky’s latest report indicates a significant level of cyber threats targeting Malaysia, correlating with the country’s expanding data centre infrastructure. Increased cybersecurity measures, workforce training, and public awareness are essential to secure Malaysia’s digital landscape.
29 October 2024 – Cyber threats targeting Malaysian users remain significant, a new report by Kaspersky reveals, likely due to the country’s rapidly growing data centre infrastructure. In Q3 2024, Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) recorded 7,250,590 distinct internet-borne threats in Malaysia, a slight decline from the 7,395,515 incidents observed during the same period last year. The rapid expansion of Malaysian data centres, which primarily serve domestic sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and smaller international cloud providers, is contributing to this high threat landscape as cybercriminals increasingly target these sensitive repositories.
Johor Bahru, now recognized as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing data centre hub, has a total capacity of 1.6 gigawatts, supported by investments from leading global technology firms. The Prime Minister has also announced a strategic push for Malaysia to become a leading AI-driven nation in the ASEAN region, further solidifying the country’s role in digital transformation.
Kaspersky’s Asia Pacific Managing Director Adrian Hia highlights the necessity of strong cybersecurity measures, particularly advanced threat detection, intrusion prevention, and data encryption, to protect the high volumes of sensitive data within these centres. He emphasized the importance of upskilling Malaysia’s cybersecurity workforce and implementing robust cybersecurity training and awareness initiatives to sustain growth in the digital economy.
The Malaysian government’s 2025 Budget has allocated RM30 million to enhance cybersecurity and counter cyber scams, a move welcomed by Kaspersky. Hia advocates for continued investment in public awareness, regulatory compliance, and partnerships between government, industry, and cybersecurity experts to build a resilient digital ecosystem that protects citizens and businesses alike.
In addition to urging businesses to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure, Kaspersky advises implementing threat intelligence systems, secure-by-design principles, and regular cybersecurity training for employees. They also recommend that individuals adopt stronger password practices, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid suspicious links to minimize online risks.
As Malaysia’s data centre landscape expands, these initiatives and protections will be crucial in safeguarding digital assets and maintaining competitive advantage in the global digital economy.
