Experts offer tips on keeping cyber threats at bay

PETALING JAYA: Cybersecurity company Malwarebytes has advised local businesses and consumers to make sure their computers are using updated software to protect them against cyber threats.

“Most of the people in Asia Pacific think that with having antivirus (software), they are already protected. The style of (cyber) attack has changed dramatically, and that is not enough anymore,” Malwarebytes’ area vice-president and managing director for Asia Pacific Jeff Hurmuses told SunBiz recently.

“You need to stay up-to-date with your software, do not click on malicious ads and pop-ups, and make sure that you are using the right kind of protection,” he added.

With the government aiming to provide at least 95% internet coverage throughout the country by 2020, Hurmuses said it is important for Malaysians to understand the need for cybersecurity to help them better protect their online activities.

“As the government is striving for a digital economy, we are excited to be here to further support all consumers and businesses in Malaysia,” he said.

According to Malwarebytes’ recent Asia Pacific State of Malware report 2017, emerging markets in Asia Pacific such as Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia are likely to be harmed by malware infections than other counterparts. The study revealed that Malaysia ranks fifth in volume of malware detected in the country among other countries in the Asia Pacific.

Nevertheless, Hurmuses said while its findings illustrate that emerging markets in Asia are generally more vulnerable to malware, Malaysia is performing well in fighting against malware in the region, with a malware detection rate that is two to three times lower.

Nonetheless, Malaysia still ranks in the top 20 globally in terms of total malware detections.

The study examined data from more than one billion malware detections/ incidences, covered more than 100 million devices in over 200 countries, in both corporate and consumer environments.

Malware is a software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems. Malware covered in the study include banking trojans, ransomware, botnets, ad fraud, adware, and android malware.

Commenting on the recent global WannaCry ransomware attack that was reported to affect more than 12 computers in the country, Hurmuses said the problem may be much worse than what has been reported, due to lack of cybersecurity awareness.