Malaysia has been ranked sixth in Southeast Asia for cyberattacks, accounting for around 10% of total regional incidents, highlighting rising cyber risk exposure as the country continues its rapid digital expansion.
The findings were highlighted at the Positive Hack Talks in Kuala Lumpur, where cybersecurity experts pointed to Malaysia’s high digital connectivity as both a strength and a vulnerability. The country has the highest internet penetration rate in Southeast Asia at 97%, reflecting its advanced digital adoption but also increasing exposure to cyber threats.
Data shared at the event showed Malaysia records around 152 breached accounts per 100 people on average, significantly higher than the regional average of 55 per 100. The country was also ranked fourth in Southeast Asia for the number of listings on dark web forums, driven by repeated data breaches that enable cybercriminals to monetise stolen information.
Dmitry Serebryannikov, Chief Hacking Officer at Positive Technologies, said the region is becoming a key focus in global cyber defence efforts.
“The Kuala Lumpur meetup is another step toward building a truly global and collaborative community of cybersecurity experts. We have accumulated substantial expertise and are eager to share it, helping professionals across different countries grow so that together we can combat escalating cyberthreats. Our mission is to pool the knowledge and efforts of our peers to elevate global security standards, and Southeast Asia is becoming a key focal point in this endeavor,” he said.
Cybersecurity experts noted that Malaysia’s combination of strong digital growth and recurring data breaches has contributed to its elevated risk ranking, even as the country positions itself as a regional digital leader.
Authorities have also acknowledged a shortage of cybersecurity talent, with ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening workforce capabilities and attracting more specialists into the sector as cyber threats continue to evolve.
