Malaysia Sees High Digital Service Adoption, 98 Pct Are Frequent Users

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- A total of 98 per cent of Malaysian respondents described themselves as frequent users of digital services, cementing the nation's status as a digital-first nation, according to IDEMIA Group's IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST) study.

In a statement today, the group, which specialises in biometrics, cryptography and digital security, said that more than half of respondents (53 per cent) felt more vulnerable online than they did five years ago.

“87 per cent of respondents are concerned about fraud through digital tools, while 91 per cent worry about the theft of personal data when using digital services.

“In parallel, nearly half of respondents acknowledge that although they are aware of cyber risks, they do not fully understand how these threats work or how they may be exposed to them,” it said.

IDEMIA also noted that the findings illustrate a broader shift in user expectations. Despite growing concerns about fraud and cyberattacks, consumers are not stepping away from digital services.

Instead, they increasingly expect security to be seamlessly embedded into their digital experiences without compromising convenience or ease of use.

“The study also highlights the growing complexity of the cybersecurity landscape, with respondents identifying artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cyberattacks as a major factor behind rising concerns,” it said.

It added that emerging technologies such as quantum computing are beginning to reshape conversations around long-term digital security and resilience.

While only a minority of Malaysians say they clearly understand quantum computing, 83 per cent of those familiar with the technology already perceive it as a potential cybersecurity threat, it said. 

-- BERNAMA