KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 17): The adoption of the zero-trust security strategy in Malaysia has gained significant traction, according to Fortinet Malaysia country manager Dickson Woo.

Zero-trust is a modern security strategy based on the principle: never trust, always verify. The zero-trust model assumes breach and verifies each request as though it originates from an open network.

In an email interview, Woo said Malaysian organisations are progressively investing in cybersecurity, spurred by the surge in cyber-attacks.

He said Fortinet has detected and defended over 30 million viruses in Malaysia in 3Q2023 alone.

Woo said that the government’s initiatives, such as the National Cybersecurity Policy and its recent RM60 million allocation, reflect a commitment to strengthening cybersecurity readiness.

“While there is growth, the pace of investment can be accelerated, especially considering the escalating cyber threats.

“Fortinet sees an opportunity to further educate local organisations on adopting comprehensive security solutions, including robust data protection frameworks, to proactively secure their operations,” he said.

Woo said artificial intelligence in cybersecurity is a double-edged sword. While AI empowers organisations to combat evolving threats efficiently, it also introduces new challenges.

He said a dynamic and proactive approach, utilising integrated cybersecurity platforms, ensures enhanced threat detection, efficient defense automation, optimised human resource allocation and proactive adaptation to evolving attack techniques.

“Examining sectors at high risk in Malaysia reveals that the manufacturing industry faces the highest virus risk, followed by technology and retail/hospitality. In botnet attacks, the technology sector is most vulnerable, followed by government and education. For IPs (internet protocol addresses), the technology sector faces the highest risk again, followed by government and healthcare.

“The rising cost of cyber breaches underscores the urgency for proactive cybersecurity efforts by companies,” he said.