CYBERJAYA: With AI-powered cyberthreats on the rise, experts are emphasising “digital hygiene” as a vital defence against misinformation and data breaches.
Industry leaders highlighted simple yet effective habits that can significantly reduce security risks associated with mobile apps, messaging platforms, and digital transactions.
With AI-powered attacks becoming more sophisticated, they said digital hygiene is no longer optional but essential as AI-driven misinformation and cyberattacks continue to evolve.
Speaking at a media roundtable hosted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), industry leaders urged Malaysians to take proactive steps in safeguarding their data, privacy, and personal security.
MCMC’s Online Harms and Information Security Committee chairman Derek Fernandez said practising good digital hygiene can prevent malicious activities, particularly while users are unaware.
“When you’re sleeping, your phone remains connected – WiFi, Bluetooth and other entry points are still open. These are vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit, and you won’t even be aware of it,” he said.
One of the simplest digital hygiene habits is to type out search queries instead of clicking on links received via messaging apps or emails, he said.
“A little extra effort can go a long way.
“Instead of clicking on a suspicious link, take the time to manually type it into your browser.
“This helps you avoid phishing attacks and malicious websites,” Fernandez said.
He advised users to switch off their phones at night and disable unnecessary permissions such as location tracking and background app access.
“Ask yourself, why do you need your location while you’re talking on the phone? Be mindful of the permissions you grant and avoid clicking ‘Yes’ without reviewing them,” he cautioned.
BlackBerry APAC Strategic Technical Solutions senior director Jonathan Jackson spoke on the importance of regular software updates, as cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems.
“The integrity of your phone’s operating system is paramount.
“Hackers take advantage of outdated systems, so patch your devices and update them regularly,” he said.
Jackson also highlighted the use of safe words as an extra layer of verification in transactions.
BlackBerry Secure Communications vice-president David Wiseman suggested a quick and easy security measure that most users overlook: restarting their phones every morning.
“When you power off and on again, the operating system runs a series of validation checks to ensure no unauthorised processes are running in the background.
“It’s a simple habit anyone can adopt,” he said.
