Malaysia on cyber alert: Ransomware cases soar 78pct in Q4 2024
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the increase reflected the urgent need for more robust and coordinated efforts, both domestically and internationally, to combat cybercrime.
"Cyber threats today are no longer mere technical disruptions. They are sophisticated, borderless, and profoundly destabilising.
"Ransomware, data breaches, and cyber-enabled fraud are escalating rapidly in both scale and complexity.
"Data from CyberSecurity Malaysia reveals that ransomware incidents rose by 78 per cent in Q4 2024 compared to the previous quarter — a deeply concerning trend," he said during the launch of Cyber Games 2025.
His speech was read out by Digital Ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar during the launch of Cyber Games 2025.
Gobind also said that as Malaysia chairs the AseanSummit this year, cybersecurity and cybercrime have been placed at the forefront of the regional agenda.
He said Malaysia was committed to driving policies and initiatives that strengthen Asean's cyber ecosystem and foster trust in digital environments across member states.
"Malaysia is proud to play a pivotal role at this critical juncture. Hosting Cyber Games 2025 further highlights our leadership in this field.
"This strategic gathering of global cybercrime investigators and digital forensics experts is a timely and powerful demonstration of our unwavering commitment to regional and international security," he said.
Meanwhile, National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) chief executive officer Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the rise in ransomware cases had yet to reach a critical level, as it mirrored global trends.
"This increase is not yet at a critical stage, as it is consistent with regional developments.
"However, in terms of readiness, we cannot afford to operate in isolation. Close cooperation with our Asean neighbours and the wider international community is essential," he said.
Megat Zuhairy said that ransomware remained a highly profitable crime, making it a persistent threat that required comprehensive policy and technical responses.
"So long as ransomware remains financially lucrative, cybercriminals will remain emboldened.
"That is precisely why strong regional and global cooperation is indispensable," he said.
He also highlighted the importance of platforms such as the Budapest Convention, which provides 24/7 cross-border communication channels between enforcement agencies, as key in tackling evolving cyber threats.
"Cyber Games 2025, developed in collaboration with the Council of Europe and Interpol, is a clear example of how international partnerships can enhance our capacity to combat sophisticated cybercrime," he added.
Cyber Games 2025 — a regional cyber defence exercise scheduled from May 20 to 23 — brings together over 120 cybercrime investigators and digital forensics specialists from 40 countries.
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