Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, held its flagship event, Ignite on Tour in Malaysia, on 11 June 2024 at the One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya. With the theme Cybersecurity for the AI Era, the event was attended by industry partners, customers, and cybersecurity experts to discuss the increasing impact of artificial intelligence on the cybersecurity landscape alongside evolving threat tactics in Malaysia. 

State of Cybersecurity in Malaysia

As one of ASEAN's fastest-growing digital economies, Malaysia faces significant vulnerability to evolving cyberthreats such as ransomware and AI-driven attacks. Palo Alto Networks' recent research revealed manufacturing as the most targeted industry for ransomware attacks in ASEAN, primarily due to limited system visibility and inadequate network monitoring. In Malaysia, OT innovation in manufacturing has been driven by increased FDI. Strengthening these systems is crucial to protect Malaysia's economic progress from cyber threats.

In her keynote address, Meerah Rajavel, Chief Information Officer at Palo Alto Networks, touched on the rise of AI and its impact on business transformation. She shared, "While the advancements in AI in 2023 have driven significant business transformations, they have also introduced new cybersecurity challenges. Malaysian businesses, given their high digital engagement, are particularly at risk. To safeguard their operations, organisations must counter AI with AI – harnessing the capabilities of AI to enhance security measures, achieve better visibility, and automate their security processes.”

With the rise of AI-powered threats, Palo Alto Networks has introduced Precision AI™, which incorporates machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) with generative AI (GenAI) for real-time applications, to defend against AI-supported threat tactics. Precision AI is integrated across Palo Alto Networks' platforms Strata™, Prisma®, and Cortex® to provide enhanced capabilities for organisations. 

Insights from CyberSecurity Malaysia

In a briefing with local press members, Nazri Bin Ahmad Zamani, Specialist in the Digital Forensics Department at CyberSecurity Malaysia, who was also present at the event today, elaborated that organisations in Malaysia are leading the way in their readiness to adopt generative artificial intelligence (AI) for business and operational purposes. Malaysia is currently on the right track to embrace this technology, having launched the AI Roadmap. However, organisations must realise the double-edged nature of AI and not be complacent in actively protecting their network, systems, data, and customers.

Recently, Malaysia has witnessed a notable increase in cyber threats, notably scams and fraud. In 2023, CyberSecurity Malaysia reported that 5,917 incidents occurred, with 3,705 linked to scams or fraud. A significant portion of the incidents during the first quarter of this year—1,025 cases—involved fraud. These numbers will exacerbate as AI is further wielded by threat actors.

Sarene Lee, the Country Manager for Palo Alto Networks Malaysia, highlighted Malaysia's promising position in the global AI landscape. “According to the Oxford Index Readiness 2023, Malaysia is ranked 23rd globally in Government AI readiness and is the second highest in Southeast Asia. This ranking reflects our strong foundation, supported by substantial government initiatives and investments in AI technology and infrastructure, such as the 'AI untuk Rakyat' program and the National AI Roadmap 2021-2025.

With a strategic national AI framework, increasing private sector engagement, and a growing talent pool, we envision significant advancements in AI’s capabilities. As we continue this progression, it is crucial to ensure that cybersecurity is a priority in the development of AI systems, especially in its initial stages.”

Counter AI Attacks with AI Defence

The role of AI in cyberattacks and defence is expected to grow even further. Threat actors will continue to refine their AI-driven attack techniques, demanding constant innovation in cybersecurity strategies. To stay ahead of AI-driven threats, organisations should prioritise the following recommendations:

• Invest in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions: Organisations should allocate resources to implement AI-powered defence systems that can adapt to evolving threats in real time.
• Collaborate and share threat intelligence: Sharing threat intelligence with industry peers and security communities can enhance collective defence against AI-driven attacks.
• Foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness: Educating employees about the risks and best practices related to AI-driven cyberattacks can strengthen the organisation's overall security posture.
• Stay updated with evolving AI technologies: Organisations should remain informed about emerging AI technologies and their potential applications in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity efforts.

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