Malaysia Must Prepare for Quantum-Era Cyber Threats
Translating Strategy into Effective Protection Remains a Big Challenge
As quantum computing advances, Malaysia faces growing pressure to secure critical infrastructure against emerging cyber threats. This underscores the strategic importance of preparing for quantum-era risks. Sensitive data collected today could be at risk even before large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking conventional encryption are operational.
In fact, adversaries are already employing “harvest-now-decrypt-later” tactics, collecting encrypted information with the expectation that quantum computing will eventually allow decryption. The closer we get to so-called Q-Day, the more urgent it becomes to protect long-lived systems and sensitive data. Analysts predict such quantum computers could emerge as early as 2030, raising concern over the long-term security of government, defence, and other high-value data.
Malaysia Is Being Proactive
Malaysia has taken steps to address these risks through the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2025–2030 and the National Post-Quantum Cryptography Readiness Roadmap launched by the Ministry of Digital and NACSA. These measures are a positive start, but implementing them at scale remains challenging, and building the right technical capabilities, improving inter-agency coordination, and working closely with industry will be key to translating strategy into effective protection.
Critical networks remain particularly vulnerable, including defence communications and long-lived public infrastructure. This is why Nokia is recommending hybrid cryptography, combining classical and quantum-resistant methods, as a practical approach to reduce exposure before quantum computers reach sufficient capability.
Quantum Security Across ASEAN
Across ASEAN, countries are advancing quantum security at different levels. Singapore has implemented quantum-aware requirements for critical infrastructure, Thailand is strengthening protections under its Cybersecurity Act, and Indonesia is progressing with its 2045 cybersecurity roadmap. Nokia’s regional teams emphasize that shared pilot programs and harmonised testing timelines will be crucial to build collective resilience, as each country develops its own quantum readiness strategy.
Private-sector collaboration can help accelerate readiness. Nokia’s partnership with Maxis, which recently deployed Malaysia’s first quantum-safe networking solution for enterprise and public sector use, shows how agencies can safeguard critical systems while preparing for post-quantum cryptography.
As far as the broader impact is concerned, quantum-safe encryption is not just about defence. Early adoption can strengthen trust, regulatory compliance, and digital sovereignty across sectors like finance, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure.
