Post by : Shakul

Malaysia recorded a sharp rise in scam-related losses in 2025, reaching approximately RM2.7 billion — a 76 per cent increase compared to the previous year. According to Fortinet Malaysia, the surge is largely driven by the growing use of digital payments and the increasing sophistication of online fraud tactics.

Country manager Kevin Wong said scammers are increasingly exploiting QR codes and digital payment channels, especially during festive periods such as Hari Raya. These scams often involve redirecting transactions through fake payment links, phishing campaigns, and fraudulent e-commerce platforms targeting unsuspecting users.

Data from Malaysia’s Cyber999 Incident Response Centre revealed over 2,000 reported incidents in the third quarter of 2025 alone, marking a year-on-year increase of more than 20 per cent. Phishing and online fraud accounted for nearly 75 per cent of these cases, highlighting the scale of the threat in the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Experts warn that festive seasons create ideal conditions for cybercriminals, as higher transaction volumes and increased online activity expand the attack surface. Reduced staffing and slower response times during holidays further increase vulnerabilities for both businesses and individuals.

Authorities and cybersecurity experts have urged consumers to remain cautious by shopping only on verified websites, avoiding suspicious links, and using secure payment methods. Enabling multi-factor authentication, safeguarding one-time passwords, and avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions are also strongly recommended.

At the organisational level, experts stress the importance of adopting advanced cybersecurity measures, including AI-driven threat detection and unified security platforms. Addressing the cybersecurity talent gap remains critical, with studies indicating that a vast majority of Malaysian organisations have experienced breaches linked to workforce shortages.

As digital payment adoption continues to rise, the warning is clear: both consumers and businesses must remain vigilant, as cyber threats evolve rapidly alongside technological advancements.

#Asia News #Malaysia #Malaysia News #Crime