NEC Corporation Provides Malaysia’s Cybersecurity Reality Check: Culture vs. Resilience

In an age where digital transformation fuels business growth, a silent threat is undermining progress from within: a weak IT and cybersecurity culture.

Across Malaysia, many organisations still operate under outdated mindsets, enforcing rigid IT policies that restrict innovation instead of enabling it. While these controls may seem like a shield, they often end up becoming roadblocks—slowing down agility, stifling emerging tech adoption, and leaving companies digitally stagnant.

And the consequences are real.

By the end of 2024, Malaysia recorded a 4% dip in total cyber incidents—a small win. However, it is overshadowed by a staggering 78% spike in ransomware attacks, signalling that the threat landscape isn’t just growing—it’s evolving.

Phishing remains the weapon of choice, fuelling 71% of fraud-related breaches. It is not just the private sector in the crosshairs—over 1,500 cyberattacks targeted Malaysian ministries in 2024 alone. Even major institutions like Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) weren’t spared, facing a US$10 million ransom demand.

The reality? New malware tactics, malicious APKs, and highly targeted phishing campaigns are exploiting every cultural and technical gap.

It is time for a mindset shift.

Businesses must move beyond check-the-box cybersecurity and cultivate a culture where security is integrated, proactive, and empowering—not limiting. In today’s digital battleground, culture isn’t just strategy; it’s defence.

A Trusted Partner in the Face of Growing Threats

NEC Corporation of Malaysia (NEC Malaysia), a leading digital technology transformation provider, is answering the call to support businesses through its Cybersecurity Trade-Up Program—an initiative designed to help businesses transition from legacy systems to the latest Fortinet solutions with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“Our Trade-Up Program allows customers to swap out expiring hardware or software—be it Fortinet or other brands—to gain access to modern and robust cybersecurity solutions. We are well-positioned to support companies’ needs, serving as both a cybersecurity integrator and a managed services provider,” shares Eddie Hooi, Head of Global Network Services & APAC CoE Business Development Lead of NEC Corporation of Malaysia.

Customers will benefit from enhanced security, improved performance and extended support with solutions such as the Next Generation Firewall (NGFW) Hub, Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS), Web Application Firewall (WAF), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

Cost-Efficient Security Upgrades and Trusted Partnerships

By offering a clear path to upgrade with reduced IT costs, NEC Corporation of Malaysia empowers organisations to strengthen their defenses without compromising their bottom line. For organisations that prefer to manage security in-house, NEC Corporation of Malaysia remains a trusted leader in cybersecurity and network infrastructure. As an award-winning, multi-brand provider, they collaborate with global technology giants—including Cisco, AWS, Juniper, F5, and Fortinet—to deliver reliable, best-in-class protection across Malaysia’s business landscape.

Backed by NEC’s global Center of Excellence (CoE), NEC Malaysia applies industry best practices and global frameworks to support Malaysia’s telco operators and other multinational companies around the world.

Comprehensive Managed Services and Operational Resilience

For organisations that prefer to outsource cybersecurity rather than manage it in-house, NEC Corporation of Malaysia provides proactive, 24/7 managed services. Leveraging advanced monitoring and rapid incident response capabilities, NEC Corporation of Malaysia ensures continuous protection and operational continuity—allowing businesses to focus on their core activities while entrusting security to experienced professionals.

“Our Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Network Operations Centre (NOC) in Sunway Iskandar Puteri, Johor delivers 24/7 incident management and nationwide remediation through a dedicated Managed Services Desk—ensuring rapid response and operational resilience,” said Kevin Lai, Solution Specialist of NEC Corporation of Malaysia.

In addition to incident management, NEC Corproation of Malaysia also provides threat prediction and prevention, as well as comprehensive asset and configuration management to ensure full visibility and control across IT environments.

Looking at the Bigger Picture with NEC Corporation of Malaysia

Despite the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity, many organisations remain reluctant to innovate. This hesitation is often rooted in a lack of maturity in their IT and security culture. As a result, businesses fall back on overly restrictive policies in an attempt to stay safe. While these measures may offer short-term protection, they often hinder digital transformation, limit adaptability, and create environments resistant to change. In today’s evolving threat landscape, such approaches are no longer sufficient

Lai adds: “Cybersecurity transcends IT—it demands a culture-wide commitment. However, even the most advanced cybersecurity systems can be undermined by weak internal practices. Building a strong security culture is just as critical as deploying the right technologies. There is a need to prioritise mindset shifts aside from just tool upgrades; we need to consider the importance of education, clear protocols, and shared responsibility.”

Threats continue to grow in sophistication and scope, and securing your organization is no longer a one-time effort; it’s a continuous, evolving strategy. NEC Corporation of Malaysia continues to create what’s ahead for cybersecurity with their unparalleled expertise, world-class partnerships, and commitment to both technology and training. With them, businesses are equipped not just to defend, but to thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.