Malaysia and Vietnam have agreed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation through a new cross-border memorandum of understanding (MoU). During the 19th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Melaka, Malaysia’s Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang highlighted plans to enhance cybersecurity collaboration. Malaysia is in the process of acceding to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and will officially sign the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime in Hanoi this October. The visit, which includes senior Malaysian and Vietnamese officials, aims to reinforce long-standing ties between the two nations.

Indonesia’s Deputy SOEs Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo has urged stronger cybersecurity measures to safeguard the country’s growing digital economy, with banks increasingly targeted by phishing and ransomware. He stressed the need for “cyber troops” and integrated security systems to protect public trust and financial stability.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s recent state visit to Cambodia (Sept 7–9) has brought renewed focus on Southeast Asia’s growing transnational scam hubs. A newly signed memorandum of understanding between the Philippine and Cambodian police expands cooperation against cybercrime, human trafficking, and arms trafficking, marking a rare alignment in security priorities. Analysts see the deal as a critical step toward curbing online fraud syndicates while strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.

Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Nezar Patria, has urged the public to remain vigilant against scams involving artificial intelligence (AI), including deepfakes.

As the 2025 General Election approaches, the risk of digital interference – whether subtle or overt – is once again under scrutiny. 

Political parties here said they have stepped up efforts to secure their data and digital infrastructure, while tech platforms have moved to act more decisively against falsehoods and manipulated content. The Government has also signalled its intent to be vigilant against electoral misinformation.

The recent cyber attack on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), where hackers allegedly demanded a US$10 million (RM44.37 million) ransom, was not just an attack on a corporation — it was an attack on Malaysia’s national security.

This incident is a stark reminder that in today’s world, wars are no longer fought solely with missiles and tanks, but with algorithms and malware. At the same time, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has raised concerns over the need to strengthen cyber, drone, and nuclear warfare capabilities, including discussions on forming a dedicated cyber force. This is a step in the right direction.

Cybersecurity activities targeting government websites have increased following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, an official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirmed yesterday.

DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy said the attacks related to Duterte’s arrest can be traced mostly to local hackers, many of whom are attempting to deface government websites.

Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity partnership with the Philippines by providing expert training to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC). During a visit to the National Cybercrime Hub in Taguig City, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman emphasized that this collaboration aims to bolster the Philippines' digital infrastructure and enhance national security.

Viettel has reinforced its digital leadership at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 with two major partnerships. Viettel Digital teamed up with Visa to enhance digital payments and expand the financial ecosystem, while Viettel Cyber Security partnered with France-based InnoSynthex, marking its entry into the European cybersecurity market.

Explore how Malaysia's growing number of cybersecurity professionals is shaping a future-ready workforce, bolstering digital security and driving innovation in the digital economy.

Discover how a surge in cyber attacks has thrust Thailand into a security crisis, challenging digital defenses and reshaping the nation's cybersecurity landscape.

Maybank has introduced "Money Lock," an innovative feature to safeguard customers from online scams. A first-of-its-kind in the market, this feature allows users to set limits on their bank accounts, restricting online transfers and enhancing security. This initiative is part of Maybank's commitment to addressing the rising threats of digital fraud.

As Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasises, addressing today’s rapidly evolving cyber security threats requires a unified effort between government expertise and industry innovation. This collaboration between CyberSecurity Malaysia and MyORI Services exemplifies how shared knowledge and resources can build a more resilient digital ecosystem.

Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function—it’s now a boardroom priority. With 68% of Singaporean cyber leaders integrating cyber budgets into broader digital strategies and AI transforming threat response, the role of cybersecurity is evolving rapidly. As CISOs gain the ear of CEOs, the focus shifts to embedding privacy, trust, and resilience into every facet of business innovation.

From ransomware to regional resilience: Explore ASEAN’s bold new cybersecurity initiatives tackling scams, safeguarding infrastructure, and redefining Southeast Asia's digital safety.

In Indonesia's booming digital landscape, cyber threats are escalating in step with the country's rapid transformation. As businesses grapple with AI-powered attacks and a $3.39 billion cybersecurity market by 2028, rivals are embracing "coopetition" to create shared defenses—setting a bold precedent for securing Indonesia's digital future.

The Authority of Information Security (AIS) under the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on strengthening cooperation in cybersecurity, at a ceremony in Hanoi on November 14.

As Thailand races toward becoming Southeast Asia’s AI powerhouse, the stakes are higher than ever. With cyberattacks in Thailand surging 61% above the global average, the nation must grapple with a delicate balance: harnessing AI for economic growth while ensuring cybersecurity keeps pace to protect its ambitious digital future.