11/01/2026

ON SUNDAY January 11, 2026 theSunday Special III

Simple habits that everyday Malaysians can adopt Despite the rising complexity of threats, Syed Azlan insisted that staying safe does not require deep technical knowledge. “You don’t need technical skills to stay safe online,” he said. Most incidents can be prevented with simple, consistent habits, backed by global agencies like CISA and local awareness programmes such as CyberSAFE Malay sia. Here are the essentials: • Turn on multi-factor authenti cation (MFA) One of the easiest and strongest barri ers against account takeover. • Slow down before clicking If a message feels urgent, emotional or unusual, double-check. Call the bank or person directly. • Update your devices regularly S RIWZDUH SDWFKHV ¿[ YXOQHUDELOLWLHV WKDW criminals exploit. • Use strong, unique passwords A password manager can help prevent the reuse of passwords. • Be cautious with QR codes and links If a code looks odd or is pasted over another, do not scan it. • Avoid oversharing online Public personal details help attackers craft convincing impersonations. • Know where to seek help If you suspect fraud, contact the National Scam Response Centre im mediately at 997. Small habits, big impact – especially in a landscape where attackers rely on impatience and trust to succeed. The emerging threats that worry experts most As Malaysia embraces digital transforma tion, Syed Azlan noted several long-term risks that could shape national cybersecu rity posture in 2026 and beyond. • The speed of AI-driven attacks Malware that can rewrite itself and scams generated in seconds mean

• SMEs across all industries This group is the most vulnerable. Many small businesses rely on simple password systems, outdated devices and generic outsourced support. At tackers know breaching an SME can be a stepping stone to larger companies connected to it. Across all these sectors, one truth stands out: digitalisation has outpaced Malay sia’s ability to secure every corner of its ecosystem. AI is changing the cybercrime game While Malaysia upgrades its digital infra structure, cybercriminals are upgrading their toolkits too – with AI at the core. “AI has made cybercrime faster, smarter and much more convincing,” Syed Azlan said. He shared several trends Malaysians should expect in 2026: • Hyper-personalised scams AI can analyse your posts, writing style, shopping habits and even your workplace lingo. The result is messages you instinctively trust. • Deepfake voices and chatbots Imagine getting a voice call that sounds exactly like your colleague giving urgent instructions. Or a fake bank chatbot that behaves like the real one. • Shape-shifting malware New malware can rewrite itself to bypass antivirus tools and adapt to a system in real time. • Cybercrime-as-a-service From phishing kits to AI deepfake gen erators, criminals can now subscribe to attack tools the way we subscribe to streaming services. • Multi-layered attacks A single incident may involve social en gineering, identity theft, malware and a third-party weakness – all automated and executed at scale. These developments are why traditional security habits – like relying solely on antivirus software – are no longer enough.

Simple habits like multi-factor authentication can prevent many cyber incidents.

organisations must develop rapid detection and response capabilities. • Supply-chain vulnerabilities A compromised software provider or FORXG SODWIRUP FRXOG D̆ HFW KXQGUHGV of Malaysian businesses in one blow. • Overdependence on digital infrastructure If critical systems such as banking, KHDOWKFDUH RU QDWLRQDO VHUYLFHV VX̆ HU outages, the impact would extend beyond inconvenience to societal disruption. • The human factor E YHQ WUDLQHG VWD̆ FDQ IDOO IRU GHHSIDNHV or sophisticated impersonation. Digital literacy must evolve alongside technol ogy. • The widening gap between large organisations and SMEs Without significant improvement, SMEs may become the primary entry point for large-scale breaches impact ing entire sectors. “The biggest challenge is ensuring our cybersecurity capabilities grow as fast as our digital ambitions,” he said. A digital future that demands shared responsibility Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It touches every aspect of modern life – from online banking and e-commerce to workplace communication and public services. As Malaysia enters 2026 with greater GLJLWDO FRQ¿GHQFH LW PXVW DOVR HQWHU ZLWK greater digital caution. Cybercriminals are adapting, innovating and scaling faster than ever, powered by AI and automation. But with awareness, simple habits and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, Malaysia can stay one step ahead. The digital world will only get more connected, more convenient and more complex. Defences must evolve just as quickly. After all, in this new cyber era, staying safe online is not about paranoia. It is about preparedness.

Fake stickers placed over real QR codes can redirect payments to criminals.

SMEs remain vulnerable because of limited cybersecurity resources.