27/04/2026

LYFE MONDAY | APR 27, 2026

23 Keeping digital data safe from hacks o 61% of Malaysians store sensitive info on devices, only 16% use physical copies G LOBAL research conducted by Kaspersky’s Market Research Centre shows most people, including Malaysians, prefer to keep important information stored digitally. unauthorised access in the third quarter of 2025, highlighting threats targeting devices and systems remain a persistent concern as more data is stored digitally.

Kaspersky’s survey also highlights how Malaysians are securing their digital data, with 73% of respondents using biometric authentication and 57% enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) where available. However, protection measures are not always applied consistently. Around 44% of respondents still rely on simple passwords, potentially leaving their sensitive information exposed to brute-force attacks and unauthorised access, despite the availability of stronger protection methods. How to protect yourself Each storage method inevitably carries its own advantages and limitations. Physical media can be lost or damaged, while external hard drives may not always be convenient to use on the go. Cloud services offer accessibility but can be vulnerable to unauthorised access if not properly secured. To maximise digital data security: 0 Develop a backup strategy There is no universal approach to data storage, nor is it necessary to back up every single file. Nonetheless, cultivating a regular backup routine is strongly recommended, particularly for sensitive data or files that cannot be regenerated or recovered through other means. According to the popular 3-2-1 backup strategy, you should have at least three copies of important data, store it on two different storage types and make at least one copy off-site (cloud or external physical location). The most sensitive data such as passwords, ID or financial details requires special attention. Use a dedicated security solution such as a password manager, which, apart from securely keeping users’ credentials

The majority of respondents (84%) claim they store sensitive personal data such as ID, financial details, healthcare-related information or photo archive in electronic format. Among people aged 18–34, this figure rises to 90%, indicating a high level of digitalisation of personal data among young users. In Malaysia, a similar trend is observed, with 61% of respondents storing sensitive personal data on computers or hard drives, while 37% use cloud storage and 23% rely on government digital services. However, 16% said they still rely solely on physical copies, suggesting despite widespread digital adoption, trust in traditional storage methods remains among some users. Digital storage dangers Malaysia’s growing reliance on storing sensitive personal data on devices, such as laptops and smartphones, is turning these endpoints into a source of exposure to cyber threats. Kaspersky Security Network data shows more than 24 million on-device cyber threats were detected in Malaysia in 2025, with one in four users affected. Everyday online activity continues to be a common pathway for digital risks too. In 2025, over 18.8 million web-based threats were blocked in Malaysia, averaging more than 51,000 incidents daily, with browsing, downloads and cloud-based services continuing to serve as key entry points for malicious activity and data exposure. These attack patterns are also reflected in national reporting. Data from the Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team shows increased activity in incidents involving malicious code and

Most Malaysians store their data digitally for convenience, exposing themselves to possible danger.

Making backups of your data

and storing passwords securely are the best ways to stay safe online.

0 Set up automatic backups Needing to remember to perform backups is tiring. To streamline the process, enable the built-in backup service on your devices. Test it monthly by restoring a single file, just to be sure the backup works. Backup data copies can be saved on removable drives or in cloud storage in an encrypted format.

vulnerable to brute-force attacks by unwanted parties. That’s why digital experts recommend enabling 2FA wherever it is available or adopting passkey technology. Other than that, passkeys can be stored securely in a password manager and accessed seamlessly from any authorised device.

and bank cards, has a special secret vault functionality aimed at storing important documents – for example, scanned passports/IDs and PDF files, addresses and notes. 0 Protect your vaults Relying solely on simple passwords ultimately leaves your digital vaults

Gen Z most active Google AI users, over 5 trillion searches yearly GEN Z is now the most active generation on Google Search, a shift that is clearly reflected in how people across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, engage with the platform. AI is taking Search beyond its role as an information tool, transforming it into a more intuitive, intelligent partner. Powered by Google’s

with AI responses supported by cross checked sources and clickable references. For Gen Z, Search is also an extension of culture and fandom. It goes beyond utility, becoming a space where interests come alive through interactive features and hidden“Easter eggs”. From global stars such as Taylor Swift to regional acts such as Bini, Search taps into what Gen Z loves, turning curiosity into an experience. At the same time, platforms such as Google Trends reflect real-time conversations, allowing users to tap into what is happening and join the moment. In Malaysia, this is especially visible in K-pop fandoms, where spikes in searches help fans connect, discover content and engage with their communities. As AI continues to reshape how people search, Gen Z is leading the way, using it not just to find answers, but to explore, create and make decisions with confidence.

than 5 trillion searches each year. In Southeast Asia, the trend is even more pronounced. The region’s young, digitally savvy population is increasingly turning to Search to better understand the world and make informed decisions. Interest in AI-powered search here is three times higher than the global average, while Malaysia ranks among the top 20 countries globally for multimodal AI search usage. The search journey is also evolving, with AI-powered features making it easier to move from discovery to purchase within the same platform. Trusted decision-making tool While social media may spark initial interest, Search is where Gen Z goes to dig deeper. From checking Google reviews on Maps to comparing prices and researching brands, it remains a trusted space to verify information before making decisions. This layer of credibility continues to anchor Search,

multimodal reasoning model Gemini 3.1, Search now supports back-and forth conversations while understanding more complex and nuanced queries. For Gen Z, this evolution feels natural. As digital natives, they are no longer just typing keywords. They are researching, planning, brainstorming and even “talking” to Search. Features such as AI Mode and Search Live make the experience faster and more seamless, allowing users to search through text, voice and visuals. As a result, users aged 18 to 24 now issue more daily queries than any other age group globally, contributing to more

Gen Z is using AI for faster and more accurate results on Google. – 123RFPIC