- 5G & Operational Technology (5GOT) Security Summit to help you prep for war
- In 2024 alone, Malaysia recorded over 19.6 million web-based attacks, tops in SEA
As cybercrime surges across Southeast Asia, the stakes have never been higher. From high-profile data breaches to crippling service disruptions, the digital landscape is under siege. With industries rapidly digitalising — from smart cities and robotics to high-speed communications — the threat surface is expanding, and so is the sophistication of cybercriminals.
In the first half of 2024 alone, Malaysia recorded over 19.6 million web-based attacks, topping Southeast Asia in cyber threat exposure. These attacks – sustained, sophisticated, and clearly state-backed or state-level in complexity – targeted both public and private sectors, including critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, and financial institutions:
- One utilities provider had to isolate its control systems for 36 hours to prevent a
full system compromise
- An infrastructure operator lost two days’ worth of revenue to a cyberattack
- A public healthcare system experienced temporary data corruption
- Client data breaches – passwords and personal information – are now commonplace
The economic fallout has been severe — according to a 2024 report, the average breach costs in ASEAN rose to US$3.23 million (RM13.6 million), with financial services averaging US$5.57 million (RM23.5 million) per incident.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence has added a dangerous new dimension. While AI powers automation, entertainment, and smart solutions, it’s also being weaponised — used to create deepfakes, perpetrate fraud, and enable online predators. The consequences go far beyond financial loss and reputational damage. Attacks on Operational Technologies (OT) — the digital systems running factories, hospitals, power plants, and water treatment facilities — can result in environmental disasters, loss of life, and societal breakdown.
“Cyber war is here, and it’s very real,” warns Harri Hursti, renowned Finnish ‘ethical hacker’. “When IT systems are compromised, you lose money and reputation. But when operational technology fails, you lose lives, the environment, and critical infrastructure. Cybersecurity is not option. It is life and death.”
Recognising this critical need, the Ministry of Digital is spearheading a national effort to build cyber-resilience. Through updated legislation, strategic public-private partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, Malaysia is taking bold steps to safeguard its digital future.
This comprehensive approach culminates in the 5G & Operational Technology (5GOT) Security Summit 2025, happening 15–17 July 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The summit, organised by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), will convene global cybersecurity and AI experts, including IT security strategist Dr Anand Prasad, AI ethics and safety expert Dr Amani Ibrahim, former White House cybersecurity advisor Jacob Braun, 5G cybersecurity expert Silke Holtmanns, and Harri Hursti – the cybersecurity pioneer featured in Emmy-nominated HBO documentaries Hacking Democracy and Kill Chain: The Cyber War on America’s Elections, along with many other key personalities in the IT and OT security industry.
Azman Ismail (pic), CEO of DNB, emphasises the need to address cybersecurity gaps, saying that the loss of trust in digital systems threatens the integrity of society itself: “These cybersecurity threats are existential. They challenge the very trust that underpins our digital economy, our institutions, and our society. The 5GOT Security Summit is our answer — a call to action, a platform for collaboration, and a commitment to leadership that aims to restore public confidence in our digital future.”
Ts. Dr. Amirudin Abdul Wahab, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia, underscores the urgency of proactive engagement: “Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern, it is a national strategic priority. The 5GOT Security Summit is a critical platform to engage with global thought leaders, experience cutting-edge simulations, and discover practical, real-world solutions. For organisations serious about protecting their assets and contributing to Malaysia’s digital resilience, this is an unmissable opportunity.”
Delegates will gain actionable insights, networking opportunities, and strategic guidance to navigate the evolving threat landscape. Whether you’re a CEO, CISO, CTO, policymaker, or cybersecurity professional, this is your chance to learn, engage and stay ahead — or risk falling behind.
Delegate tickets are HRDF-claimable for Malaysian companies and agencies. Visit www.5GOT.asia to register and secure your spot.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
