APU triumphs at hackathon with innovative AI solution
As the digital age expands, our reliance on social media and information technology grows, exposing us to an escalating range of cyber threats.
From identity theft and data phishing to deepfake fraud and online scams, these challenges demand innovative solutions.
In Malaysia, phishing remains the leading cybersecurity concern, with 54% of organisations identifying it as their top priority, as highlighted by TechWire Asia last year.
Recognising this pressing issue, a team of five Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) students took on the challenge to tackle this threat with remarkable success.
Known as Team Yeslah, these budding tech innovators developed “SecureLah”, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered application that targets phishing risks and deepfake fraud, ultimately clinching the championship at the GodamLah! Hackathon 2024 on Jan 11.
Organised by DataSonic Group and UniLah, the hackathon attracted 557 entrants, with Team Yeslah bagging the championship title and a cash prize of RM5,000 at the grand finale in Petaling Jaya.
“SecureLah” is a testament to the team’s ingenuity and determination, a press release from APU read.
“It is an innovative mobile app designed to safeguard users from phishing risks via AI-driven call and SMS analysis.
“The idea for the project came from reading news stories about victims of cybercrime, particularly the elderly who are often targeted,” Team Yeslah leader Jonas Kwan Jun Er explained.
The team also comprised Lo Sau Kang, Amelia Sow Jing Yi, Maxwell (sic), and Wong Wan Yin.
With cybercriminals increasingly using AI for scams like deepfakes, the team recognised the need for a robust, AI-powered solution.
Under the guidance of APU’s School of Computing senior lecturer Chong Mien May, the team developed a comprehensive tool designed to protect users from falling prey to sophisticated scams.
“I’m incredibly proud to see them excel in their field, using their skills to tackle real-world problems,” Chong said.
With real-time scam detection, educational resources, a reward system and business-focused web dashboard, “SecureLah” addresses the growing threats of vishing (voicephishing) and smishing (SMS phishing), which are forms of social engineering attacks targeting individuals and businesses, explained Kwan, a third year BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering student.
“By combining cutting-edge technology with user engagement, ‘SecureLah’ fosters a safer communication environment for both public and corporate users,” said Kwan, who credited their victory to technical expertise, innovative problem-solving, and teamwork.
Kwan said the team utilised advanced tools like Kotlin for Android development and React Native for cross-platform mobile applications.
“It took countless sleepless nights and intense brainstorming sessions, but I’m grateful for my teammates’ trust in me as their leader,” he added.
Lo said with machine learning frameworks, the team enhanced functionality and provided intelligent insights.
“As I approach graduation, this is a milestone that I’ll cherish forever,” he said.
Integrating mobile apps, web platforms, and AI-driven components into one seamless experience was challenging but rewarding, shared Maxwell.
“This competition pushed my technical skills to new limits and taught me how to handle question and answer sessions effectively,” he added.
Both Sow and Wong said the hackathon has been an unforgettable learning experience.
Wong said she gained invaluable insights into crafting presentations and communicating ideas effectively.
“Iterating on our ideas and learning from constructive criticism were critical to our success.
“This experience taught me so much about coding and creative problem-solving,” Sow added.
For Team Yeslah, the experience was more than just a victory—it was a stepping stone toward their future careers. The feedback from the judges, particularly industry professionals, provided invaluable insights to perfect “SecureLah” before its commercialisation.
“This hackathon has been an incredible platform for us to showcase our skills, learn from industry experts, and develop a solution that can make a tangible difference.
“Moving forward, we’re excited to take on new challenges and make an impact in the field of cybersecurity,” Kwan concluded.
