Strategies to Counter the Ransomware Threat in Malaysia

One of the most striking ransomware attacks in Malaysia occurred in March 2025, when an airport was hit by a cyberattack that set back operations temporarily. The criminals’ demand for US$10 million in ransom was refused.

Indeed, Malaysia has seen ransomware threats multiply in the past year. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has told local media that the country faced a staggering 78 per cent increase in ransomware cases in the fourth quarter of 2024.

For organizations in Malaysia, this whitepaper explores the readiness, impact, and response strategies that they should employ to better defend against the persistent ransomware threat.

It analyzes the updated regulatory landscape in the country and provides guidance for best-practice adoption to ensure compliance with regulations such as the Cyber Security Act 2024 and requirements for organizations to adopt a more structured and resilient approach to cyber risk management.