KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s recognition as a Tier One nation in the global cybersecurity index last year underscores the country’s progress in digital security, but it also brings new challenges, experts warn.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) commissioner of online harms and network security committee, Derek John Fernandez, highlighted the importance of adopting simple yet effective cybersecurity habits to safeguard personal devices, which he calls “phone hygiene”.
“One of the simplest yet most effective measures is to switch off mobile phones at night. This prevents unauthorised access when the device is not in use, as leaving them on increases the risk of cyber threats,” he said during a media roundtable in Cyberjaya today, Bernama reported.
Fernandez explained that regularly rebooting phones helps maintain system integrity by closing potential backdoors for hackers. He also urged users to install antivirus software and keep devices updated to prevent security gaps from being exploited.
Beyond individual precautions, he stressed the need for broader protective measures, including a proposed “48-hour cooling-off period” for financial transactions as a safeguard against cybercrime.
His remarks come as Malaysia’s growing cyber resilience draws international recognition – and increased attention from cybercriminals.
On Malaysia making it to Tier One on the index, BlackBerry Asia-Pacific’s (Apac) senior director of strategic technical sales, Jonathan Jackson, commended the government’s efforts in strengthening cybersecurity but warned that such achievements make Malaysia a prime target for cyber threats.
“It shows that Malaysia has taken amazingly proactive steps to improve its cyber resilience. But it’s also concerning because it paints a target on its back,” he said during a media roundtable here today.
To further bolster national cybersecurity, the MCMC introduced the Guidelines on Information and Network Security for the Communications and Multimedia Industry (INSG) last December, aiming to enhance security and resiliency within the sector. – March 10, 2025