KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 – Malaysians are among the most digitally engaged consumers globally, but concerns over online fraud and cybersecurity risks are growing, according to a new study by IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST) and IPSOS BVA.
The global study, conducted across 11 countries involving more than 3,300 respondents, found that 98 per cent of Malaysians are frequent users of digital services, highlighting the country’s strong digital adoption.
However, the findings also revealed that 87 per cent of Malaysians are concerned about digital fraud, while 91 per cent worry about personal data theft when using digital platforms.
The study showed that despite high awareness of cyber threats, nearly half of Malaysian respondents admitted they do not fully understand how these risks occur or how they could be affected.
More than half of respondents (53 per cent) also said they feel more vulnerable online today compared with five years ago, reflecting growing concerns as digital technologies continue to evolve.
According to IST, consumers are not moving away from digital services despite cybersecurity concerns. Instead, they increasingly expect stronger security measures to be integrated seamlessly into digital platforms without affecting convenience and user experience.
The report highlighted emerging threats, including AI-driven cyberattacks and potential risks linked to new technologies such as quantum computing. Among Malaysians familiar with quantum computing, 83 per cent believe the technology could pose future cybersecurity challenges.
Marc Bertin, Chief Technology Officer at IDEMIA Secure Transactions, said trust and security are becoming increasingly important as digital ecosystems become more complex.
He added that businesses must focus not only on securing digital services but also on making cybersecurity measures more transparent, understandable and future-ready for users.
The study emphasised the importance of secure-by-design technologies such as encryption, authentication and tokenisation to strengthen confidence in the digital economy while maintaining a smooth user experience.
— MINUTESMY
