As cyber threats strike at AI speed, Malaysia urged to embed risk‐based defence
Malaysia is facing an escalating challenge in cybersecurity, driven by the rapid acceleration of threats due to artificial intelligence. Telekom Malaysia Chief Information Security Officer Raja Azrina Raja Othman, a co-founder of MyCERT in 1997, highlighted that modern cyberattacks are no longer confined to specific systems but impact interconnected digital services across banking, government, and critical infrastructure. The speed of these AI-powered attacks demands a shift from manual defence strategies to risk-based approaches embedded in organisational governance. Raja Azrina emphasized that while investments are crucial, organisations must also prepare for incidents and ensure swift detection, response, and remediation to maintain business continuity and public confidence.
Malaysia’s cybersecurity posture is at a critical juncture, with AI dramatically increasing the speed and sophistication of cyber threats. Telekom Malaysia’s Raja Azrina Raja Othman points out that the interconnected nature of today’s digital services means an attack can compromise operations, finances, and public trust across sectors. The core challenge is that AI allows attackers to identify vulnerabilities and launch phishing campaigns far more quickly, rendering traditional manual defence methods insufficient. This requires Malaysian organisations to adopt a risk-based approach, prioritizing cybersecurity investments based on potential business impact and integrating security into leadership and governance. The shift reflects a broader regional imperative for Asian nations to rethink their cyber defence strategies in the face of AI. Relying solely on preventative measures is no longer viable; the focus must expand to include early detection, rapid response, and effective remediation to minimize disruption. TM’s long-standing experience in protecting national digital infrastructure positions it as a key player in this transition, but widespread adoption of these principles across all sectors will be essential for Malaysia’s digital resilience.
