09/06/2025

LYFE MONDAY | JUNE 9, 2025

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7 million accounts leaked, Gen Z in crosshairs F OR Gen Z, streaming is the heartbeat of daily life, a time to unwind, connect with pop culture and share the latest o Young consumers’ streaming habits make them vulnerable to malware masquerading as content kicker: these accounts were not hacked from the platforms directly. Instead, the data was scooped up by malware infecting user devices, lurking in dodgy downloads, sketchy browser extensions and pirated content. and even payment info and sends them off to underground forums where they are sold, traded or dumped for clout.

generation and are more likely to engage deeply with content, remixing it into memes, clips and fan-made art. But this same passion also leads many into risky territory: unverified downloads, unofficial fan apps and suspicious links that promise early access or “enhanced” streaming experiences. “Streaming is more than entertainment for Gen Z, it is identity. But that emotional connection can create a blind spot. Malware can easily hitch a ride through content they think is safe,” said Kaspersky digital footprint analyst Polina Tretyak. Case 404: Gaming your way to cyber smarts To make online safety less boring and more engaging, Kaspersky launched “Case 404”, a gamified cybersecurity experience designed specifically for Gen Z. Players become digital detectives, solving crimes based on

Weak passwords and reused logins are gateways to bigger digital threats. real-world online threats. Once all cases are cracked, users even score a discount on Kaspersky Premium. It promises to be fun, fast-paced and useful, kind of like your favourite heist drama, but with fewer explosions and more cyber wins. Watch smart, stream safe Want to keep streaming without the drama? Start with the basics: Use official apps, check URLs twice, avoid strange file extensions such as .exe on “video” files and steer clear of pirated content. And most importantly, protect your devices with a reliable security solution, paired with a VPN to guard your data while you scroll, stream and share. Because protecting your playlist should not feel like a plot twist.

This is not just about someone else using your Netflix to binge-watch dramas. Reused passwords can open doors to your other accounts, turning one slip-up into a full-on digital disaster. From identity theft to drained bank accounts, the domino effect is real. Gen Z’s streaming obsession makes them prime targets To put it simply, Gen Z are streaming super-users. They spend more on these platforms than any other

viral moments. From TikTok edits of their favourite characters to heated fan theories on social media, this generation lives and breathes online entertainment. But while they are tuned in 24/7, so are cybercriminals and they are watching too. Kaspersky’s latest report has uncovered a shocking number: over seven million streaming account credentials were leaked last year alone. That includes household names such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video. And here is the

Your show is safe, but your login might not be These cyberthreats are not coming from the apps themselves. They are coming from what users do before they even hit “play”. A click on a fake streaming link, an unofficial download or a shady extension is all it takes. Once malware creeps in, it quietly collects passwords, cookies

For many viewers, streaming on mobile devices is now the default way to enjoy TV shows. – ALL PICS FROM 123RF

One wrong click is all it takes to bring your digital life to a halt.

Online learning site ranks Malaysia 50th globally for skills proficiency ONLINE learning platform Coursera has released its annual Global Skills Report , revealing a 183% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in Generative AI (GenAI) enrolments in Malaysia, outpacing the Asia Pacific average of 132%. The findings highlight Malaysia’s accelerating efforts to strengthen its digital capabilities and prepare its workforce for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven transformation. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 41% of Malaysian businesses anticipate the core skills to change between now and 2030, above the global average of 39%. Employers are also optimistic – 59% plan to expand their teams this year, especially in cybersecurity, fintech and digital services. Key findings for Malaysia 0 Malaysia is embracing GenAI skills rapidly but participation gaps remain GenAI enrolments grew 183% y-o-y, yet women make up only 31% of these learners – despite representing 46% of Coursera’s overall learner base in the country. 0 Demand for job-ready credentials continues to rise skills such as talent management, organisational development and employee performance, highlighting strong demand for leaders who can manage teams, drive transformation and support workforce growth in a changing economy.

With 900,000 learners on Coursera and a median age of 33, Malaysia is steadily expanding its digital talent pool, yet closing skill gaps remains a pressing challenge. 35% of Malaysian CEOs cite a lack of workers with key skills as their top concern, and an equal share of employers (35%) now prioritise candidates with short courses and certifications – more than double the global average. This underscores the growing value of flexible, job-relevant learning. Bridging these gaps will require coordinated national efforts, including expanding public-private partnerships, integrating micro-credentials into higher education and scaling online learning access. Increasing women’s participation in emerging technology fields will also be critical – not just to achieve gender equality, but to also unlock the full potential of Malaysia’s digital economy.

Coursera’s data reflects this demand, with a sharp rise in enrolments in courses that equip learners with skills that employers are prioritising: AI and machine learning rose by 152%, Critical Thinking by 38%, Customer Service by 22% and Curiosity by 18% – reflecting Malaysia’s rapid shift toward an economy characterised by AI readiness and key business and human skills. “Malaysia is laying the foundation for a digitally confident workforce. AI is a clear priority for employers, and learners are stepping up by acquiring GenAI skills to stay ahead. From AI strategies to forward-thinking education policies, we are seeing a strong national commitment to equipping Malaysians with the right mix of technical, business and human skills,” said Coursera Asia Pacific head Eklavya Bhave.

Based on insights from Coursera’s global community of over 170 million learners, the report tracks emerging skill trends across more than 100 countries. Now in its seventh year, the 2025 edition ranks Malaysia 50th globally for overall skills proficiency and 14th in Asia Pacific. Malaysian learners demonstrate 57% proficiency in business, 55% in technology and 53% in data science. In its newly-introduced AI Maturity Index, the country ranks 31st, signalling globally competitive levels of AI learning and institutional adoption. This progress aligns with Malaysia’s national digital strategies, including the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, which aims to future-proof the workforce and drive technology-led growth.

Professional certificate enrolments grew 31% y-o-y, highlighting strong learner interest in outcome-based programmes. While overall uptake is high, women currently account for 29% of these enrolments, pointing to an opportunity for more inclusive participation. 0 Learners are developing core operational excellence skills Top learner skills include management accounting, process analysis, compliance and marketing psychology, pointing to a growing interest in strategic, cross-functional capabilities. 0 Leadership and people management are top priorities Malaysian learners are increasingly focused on