Malaysians are among the world’s most digitally engaged consumers, but growing concerns over cybercrime and data security are fuelling demand for stronger and more transparent digital protection, according to a new global study by IPSOS BVA for IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST).
The study, conducted across 11 countries involving more than 3,300 respondents, found that Malaysia stands out as a digital-first nation, with 98 per cent of respondents identifying themselves as frequent users of digital services. However, this widespread adoption is accompanied by heightened concerns over digital fraud, identity theft and emerging cybersecurity threats.
According to the findings, 87 per cent of Malaysians expressed concerns about fraud through digital platforms, while 91 per cent worry about the theft of personal data when using online services.
More than half (53 per cent) also said they feel more vulnerable online today than they did five years ago, reflecting growing unease as digital technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life.
Despite this awareness, nearly half of Malaysian respondents admitted they do not fully understand how cyber threats work or how they may be exposed to them, highlighting a widening gap between digital adoption and cybersecurity literacy.
The report suggests that while consumers are increasingly aware of cyber risks, many lack the knowledge needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital environment.
Rather than discouraging digital adoption, however, these concerns are reshaping consumer expectations. The study found that users continue to embrace digital services but increasingly expect security to be seamlessly integrated into their online experiences without compromising convenience or ease of use.
The survey also points to emerging technologies as a growing source of concern. Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cyberattacks were identified by respondents as a major contributor to rising cybersecurity risks, while quantum computing is beginning to feature more prominently in discussions around long-term digital resilience.
Although only a minority of Malaysians said they clearly understand quantum computing, 83 per cent of respondents who are familiar with the technology already perceive it as a potential cybersecurity threat, underscoring growing awareness of future digital security challenges.
IDEMIA Secure Transactions Chief Technology Officer Marc Bertin said trust is becoming increasingly central to how consumers interact with digital technologies.
“As digital ecosystems become more sophisticated, trust is becoming a defining factor in how users engage with technology. In Malaysia, digital adoption is among the strongest globally, but users also expect greater transparency, stronger protection and more reassurance around how their data and transactions are secured,” he said.
He added that as IDEMIA Secure Transactions secures billions of digital interactions each year, the company has witnessed evolving expectations around cybersecurity.
“The challenge for the industry is no longer only to secure digital services, but to make security tangible, understandable and future-ready for users,” he said.
The report also highlights the growing importance of secure-by-design technologies, including encryption, authentication and tokenisation, as organisations seek to strengthen trust while maintaining seamless digital experiences.
Conducted between February and March 2026, the IPSOS BVA survey covered respondents aged 15 and above across France, Brazil, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States. The survey samples were weighted according to gender, age and region to ensure representativeness.
The findings reinforce the importance of cybersecurity education alongside technological innovation, suggesting that the future of the digital economy will depend not only on expanding digital access, but also on building public trust through stronger security measures and greater user understanding.