Network News
Tools
Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

HGC Global Communications Limited, an ICT service provider and network operator, confirmed that Secured Broadband has effectively thwarted more than 472,000 diverse cyber threats during the latter half of 2023.

This protective measure shields businesses from various cyber dangers like ransomware, data breaches, and operational interruptions, thereby facilitating digital evolution and business growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Cyber Threats Landscape

As businesses embrace emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), they stand to gain considerable advantages. Yet, alongside these advancements, the landscape of cyber threats grows increasingly intricate. Drawing from insights provided by HGC's cybersecurity team, Security Broadband effectively thwarted over 472,000 distinct cyber assaults in the latter half of 2023, spanning ransomware, botnets, and phishing schemes. These attacks manifest in diverse forms, with approximately 80% originating from spoofed emails or deceptive phishing websites, underscoring the substantial hurdles they present to businesses' day-to-day operations.

Secured Broadband has received widespread acclaim and recognition from SMEs in a variety of industries, including healthcare, engineering, retail, manufacturing, and food and beverage. Furthermore, more than half of the users who participated in the three-month trial chose to subscribe to the Secured Broadband service.

Some customers even paid for add-on features, like the sandbox, which isolates suspicious files in a separate environment to protect against cyber virus infections on the system and network. This feature improves SMEs’ resilience in the face of increasingly sophisticated and complex cyberattacks. Additionally, the solution provides URL filtering and regular cybersecurity reports, allowing SMEs to gain a thorough understanding of their network systems and manage them effectively.

Empowering Digital Transformation

Secured Broadband is the first solution to be introduced to the market by HGC and Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. This service amalgamates high-speed fiber broadband with cutting-edge cybersecurity features. Unlike conventional cybersecurity tools like firewalls and antivirus software, Secured Broadband is specifically crafted for the unique requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), seamlessly integrating broadband connectivity with comprehensive cyber protection.

Operating on an accessible fixed monthly subscription model, it aims to alleviate challenges faced by SMEs such as limited resources, expertise gaps, and financial constraints. This approach enables SMEs to effortlessly access enterprise-level cybersecurity capabilities, empowering them to embark on their digital transformation journey with confidence.

Alex Chan, Vice President, Enterprise Market, HGC Global Communications, said, “Our HGC team acknowledges the paramount importance of cybersecurity to our SME clients. The significant number of successfully defended cyber-attacks by Security Broadband within a span of just six months reflects the critical role of cybersecurity solutions for them. Looking ahead, cyber-attacks are expected to continue increasing, with a potential for wider impact.

“According to Cybersecurity Ventures' Cybercrime report1, global losses due to cybercrime are projected to reach USD 10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This undoubtedly poses a major challenge for businesses. We are committed to providing suitable and cost-effective ICT solutions to meet the needs of SMEs.”

He also added that their goal is to safeguard SMEs on their digital transformation journey and assist them in navigating through rapidly evolving security threats. Comprehensive support will be offered, enabling SMEs to focus on their business development.

Pin It

Telecom Review, the Asia-Pacific’s leading ICT platform, under its parent company, Trace Media International, organized a webinar entitled, "Unleashing Network Capabilities with 5G-Advanced, Asia Edition," held on April 29, 2024. The groundbreaking webinar was hosted by Telecom Review Group's CEO, Toni Eid, and moderated by David Turkington, Head of Technology for GSMA Asia Pacific. The webinar brought together industry leaders to explore the transformative potential of 5G-Advanced (5.5G) in Asia.

Read more: Asian Telecom Leaders Unveil the Transformative Impact of 5G-Advanced

While Malaysia is actively investing in cybersecurity measures, it still faces significant challenges, as evidenced by recently recorded cyberattacks. In 2022, over 28 thousand cyberattacks were documented, though there was a slight decrease from around 33 thousand attacks in 2021. Despite efforts to bolster cybersecurity defenses, the frequency of cyberattacks in Malaysia has been steadily increasing over the past four years.

In response, the Malaysian Parliament recently tabled the Cyber Security Bill 2024, marking a pivotal step in fortifying the nation's cyber defenses. The bill aims to establish a robust regulatory framework to protect Malaysia's cyber landscape, particularly its critical information infrastructure, against evolving cyber threats.

The bill extends its jurisdiction beyond Malaysia's borders, applying to individuals of any nationality or citizenship, as well as to both federal and state governments. Under its provisions, the National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) will be formed, chaired by the Prime Minister, and tasked with advising the government on cyber security matters and overseeing the bill's implementation. The establishment of the NCSC serves as a pivotal move towards centralizing efforts and ensuring cohesive coordination among sector leads and industry stakeholders.

Granting authority to the Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency, the bill authorizes the establishment of a National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre to manage cyber threats effectively. The Chief Executive is further permitted to issue directives ensuring compliance with the bill's provisions.

Protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII)

The bill focuses on safeguarding entities that own or operate national critical information infrastructure (NCII). Defined broadly as systems essential to Malaysia's security, economy, public health, and safety, the NCII encompasses sectors such as government, banking, transportation, healthcare, and energy.

Sector leads appointed by the Minister, which are responsible for cyber security, will oversee each NCII sector, designating entities as NCII entities and developing sector-specific codes of practice to ensure cyber resilience.

NCII entities are obligated to implement measures outlined in the sector-specific codes of practice to enhance cyber security. This includes conducting risk assessments and submitting audit reports to the Chief Executive. Moreover, the prompt reporting of cyber incidents is mandatory, which, in turn, triggers investigations and remedial actions, which are implemented by the authorities.

The bill mandates licensing for individuals or entities offering cybersecurity services, underscoring the importance of professional standards in the industry. The specific scope of these services will be determined by the Minister, ensuring alignment with evolving cyber threats and technological advancements.

Regulated entities, particularly those overseen by Bank Negara Malaysia, Securities Commission Malaysia, and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, have already implemented robust cyber security policies. These entities adhere to regulatory guidelines, ensuring the existence of incident reporting mechanisms, business continuity plans, and emergency communications protocols.

Malaysia’s 2024 Cyber Threats Landscape

Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, predicts that there will be an increase in cyber-threats in Malaysia throughout 2024, particularly targeting organizations handling personal data within the financial and telecommunications sectors.

According to Kaspersky's data from 2023, their detection systems intercepted 26.85 million ‘internet-borne’ attacks in Malaysia, averaging 74,000 attacks daily. Additionally, their systems identified and blocked 22 million local infection threats (equivalent to around 60,000 attacks per day).

Malaysia's cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with cyber solutions poised to dominate the market with a projected volume of USD 284.10 million in 2024. This sector is expected to witness robust growth, with revenue forecasted to increase at an annual rate of 13.71% (CAGR 2024-2028), reaching a market volume of USD 844.70 million by 2028.

Moreover, the average spend per employee in cybersecurity is projected to reach USD 29.79 in 2024. Thus, the need for robust investment in cyber security is mandatory to ensure that Malaysia’s cyber landscape is protected and can flourish.

Malaysia's Digital Transformation Efforts

In line with Malaysia's digital transformation agenda, cyber security has been identified as a key enabler under the Program Mangkin Malaysia Digital (PEMANGKIN). The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has allocated significant funding to support cyber security initiatives, underscoring the importance of this sector in Malaysia's digital evolution.

As the need for cyber security increases, service providers offering penetration testing, independent cyber audits, and cloud security services are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Malaysia's digital landscape. Through initiatives like the Malaysia Digital Status, these providers can access incentives such as tax benefits and foreign worker quotas, fostering growth and innovation in the cyber security sector.

The passing of the Cyber Security Bill represents a commendable and timely step in Malaysia's journey towards digital resilience. The Cyber Security Bill 2024 underscores Malaysia's commitment to building a secure digital infrastructure ecosystem. By bolstering its cyber security framework, Malaysia aims to instill greater confidence among international partners and investors, positioning itself as a leading digital hub in ASEAN.

 

Businesses throughout Asia are consistently searching for a means to reduce costs, streamline processes, and improve customer experience to match the fast-paced industries.  

Read more: The Impact of Automated Processes on Shared Services

While flash calling can be a convenient way to convey a message or signal urgency without engaging in a full conversation, it also has the potential to be misused or cause harm in certain situations.

Read more: Market Leader, Vox Solutions, Combats Flash Calls and Artificial Traffic in APAC

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) meets rising global demand for wireless connectivity, enabling 5G for rapid, cost-effective, scalable, and dependable connectivity that catalyzes digital transformation across Asia.

Read more: Cradlepoint: Driving 5G Adoption in Asia Through Fixed Wireless Access

During Mobile World Congress (MWC 2024), Toni Eid, Founder of Telecom Review Group and CEO of Trace Media International, engaged in an exclusive discourse with Saleem Alblooshi, CTO of du, and Eric Zhao, Vice President and CMO of Huawei Wireless Solution to share their perspectives on the progress of the 5G industry, particularly the commercial launch of 5G-Advanced (5G-A or 5.5G).

Read more: du and Huawei Collaborate to Advance 5.5G Journey

Category Articles