Kevin Wong, Country Manager, Fortinet Malaysia
Artificial intelligence (AI) is both a powerhouse of progress and an increasingly abused tool.
cyber criminal. The same technology drives innovation in Malaysia’s fast-growing digital economy
And all sectors are being exploited to target governments, organizations, and individuals at scale.
The Ministry of Home Affairs also reported that economic losses due to online fraud amounted to RM1.12 billion.
In the first half of 2025, it will be fueled by increasingly sophisticated psychological and social manipulation.
engineering tactics.
This surge reflects broader global trends. AI is reshaping cybersecurity on both sides of the equation
— Strengthen your defenses while lowering the barrier to cybercrime. Some people see AI as
While it is a panacea, some worry it could undermine the systems we rely on. reality is lying
Somewhere in between. To safeguard Malaysia’s digital future, it is essential to distinguish between hype and propaganda.
Get the facts on how AI is changing cybercrime today.
The myth of AI and the reality of cybercrime
A common misconception is that AI primarily benefits defenders. In reality, cybercriminals are simply
As eager as they are to exploit it. Rather than inventing entirely new methods of attack, they use AI to refine their methods.
Eliminate familiar techniques like phishing, malware, fraud, and spoofing faster and more effectively.
Convincing and difficult to detect. Criminals increasingly treat and exploit AI as a force multiplier
to generate sophisticated phishing messages or clone voices and faces for identity fraud;
Automate reconnaissance. Many of these capabilities are currently available through underground “AI-as-AI”.
a-Service’ products include deepfake tools and locally customized social engineering scripts.
language.
Malaysia is already feeling the effects. From January 2022, Malaysia Telecommunications
The Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed over 2,300 deepfake materials;
47,000 pieces of false online content. As of mid-October of this year, over 77% of deepfake takedowns
85% of requests submitted by MCMC and requests for false content were successfully removed.
It highlights both the scale of the problem and the challenge of keeping pace.
How AI is redefining cyber defense
Traditional cybersecurity approaches such as blacklisting and signature-based detection are struggling
To catch up. These techniques rely on recognizing known patterns, but AI-generated threats are also evolving
He is quick and often changes form before the defense can adapt. By the time the threat is cataloged,
The attack is already underway.
To combat this, organizations are increasingly turning to adaptive, AI-driven security models.
Identify and block threats such as malicious websites and phishing infrastructure in real time.
It happens the moment it appears, not after taking damage.
However, technology alone is not enough. Human error remains one of the most exploited entry vectors
point. Ongoing training and realistic simulations play a key role in supporting your employees.
Recognize phishing attempts, identity theft, and social engineering tactics in advance.
be successful.
The most effective defenses combine machine speed detection with human recognition. automation
While the system can stop threats at scale, informed users provide an important final layer of protection.
It is particularly effective against attacks that aim to abuse trust.
Building Malaysia’s digital vigilance system
Defending against AI-powered cyber threats is more than just a technical challenge. it’s sharing
responsibility. As millions of Malaysians rely on digital services such as banking, healthcare and education;
Cybersecurity is fundamental to public trust and economic resilience.
Building digital vigilance requires coordination at all levels. Organizations need to adopt the latest technology.
An intelligence-driven security approach. Regulators need a clear framework for responsible AI use.
And the public must remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated fraud and identity theft attempts.
International cooperation is equally important, as cyber threats cross borders much faster.
That’s how the regulations work.
Malaysia has begun to take meaningful steps. It was announced during the 2026 national budget.
The proposed Cybercrime Bill and allocation of RM32 million for cybersecurity;
Strengthening law enforcement capabilities, strengthening digital forensics, and improving collaboration
Through the restructured National Fraud Response Center.
Digital vigilance enables digital freedom. By treating cybersecurity as a national foundation,
Resilience allows Malaysia to protect its digital economy and ensure it continues to deliver innovation
Opportunity, not risk.
