New IPSOS BVA global study showed Monday that Malaysians are among the most digitally engaged consumers surveyed globally, even as 87 percent of them express concerns around digital fraud.

The IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST) study, conducted across 11 countries with more than 3 300 respondents , highlights that in Malaysia, 98 percent of respondents described themselves as frequent users of digital services, cementing its status as a digital first nation.

At the same time, more than half of respondents (53 percent) say they feel more vulnerable online today than they did five years ago.

Cybersecurity concerns are particularly high in Malaysia. 87 percent of respondents expressed concerns around fraud via digital tools, while 91 percent 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.

The findings illustrate a broader shift in user expectations.

Despite growing concerns around 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.

Respondents identified artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cyberattacks as a major factor behind rising concerns.

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 percent of those familiar with the technology already perceive it as a potential cybersecurity threat.

“As digital ecosystems become more sophisticated, trust is becoming a defining factor in how users engage with technology,

“In Malaysia, digital adoption shows to be one of the strongest, but users also expect greater transparency, stronger protection and more reassurance around how their data and transactions are secured,” said Marc BERTIN, Chief Technology Officer at IDEMIA Secure Transactions.

According to him, the challenge for the industry is no longer only to secure digital services, but to make security tangible, understandable and future-ready for users.

The report also underscores the importance of secure-by-design technologies such as encryption, authentication and tokenization, which help strengthen trust while maintaining seamless user experiences.

InsiderSecurity, CyberSecurity Malaysia team up to bolster Malaysia’s cyber resilience