NortonLifeLock has recently announced their findings of research on “Malaysian Cybercrime and Digital Life During COVID-19”. In the research, it was noted that two out of five Malaysians (40%) surveyed have experienced cybercrime at least once in their lives, and one quarter (25%) of those have been targeted by cybercriminals once or more over the past 12 months. When asked about their thoughts on online privacy, the survey reflected that 78% of Malaysians surveyed are concerned about their online privacy. The research involved 1,000 Malaysians and was commissioned by NortonLifeLock in collaboration with international research specialists, Ipsos.
“It is staggering to discover the potential extent of cybercrime in Malaysia, brought into the light by this research. Those all-important smartphones, laptops, PCs and even tablets hold huge amounts of personal data. It is so important to take steps to help avoid handing over your data, banking information or even your identity to cybercriminals,” said Mark Gorrie, Senior Director for Asia Pacific at NortonLifeLock.
Given that over half of Malaysian cybercrime victims surveyed had suffered losses (58%) – including financial losses or loss of private information – the responses suggest Malaysians are aware of the potential severity of cyberattacks and measures needed to prevent it. The majority of cybercrime victims (54%) in the Malaysian survey required over 12 hours to recover their devices. In a study conducted by Cybersecurity Ventures on the impact of cybercrime, it was also found that cybercrime is estimated to inflict damages totaling $6 trillion USD globally in 2021 and is expected to reach $10.5 trillion USD by 2025.
“While the results are certainly concerning, measures need to be taken to help protect our online safety,” added Mark Gorrie.
One of the most accessible ways to help identify and recover from cyberattacks, is by installing comprehensive security software. When asked, Malaysians claim they use online security software to maintain their privacy (56%) and help prevent access to their files, photos and important documents (63%), while awareness of viruses (which can attack mobiles, tablets and PCs), was cited by 88% of respondents. Awareness of online scams was shown to be high, with almost half (46%) of those surveyed citing this as a reason to use cyber security features across devices.
Norton 360 plans offer multi-layered protection and comprehensive solutions powered by AI and machine learning-based technology, to help protect the data on the very devices that have got us through this pandemic, monitoring for online threats, viruses, malware, spyware and ransomware. There are a range of plans available with the following features, depending on the plan chosen:
- Norton Mobile Security: Smartphones and tablets may carry a lot of personal information and could be vulnerable to cyber threats. Norton 360 helps deliver powerful, effective protection for your personal information on Android and iOS devices, information which could be targeted by new mobile cyber threats and scams.
- PC Cloud Backup: Choose from plans offering 2GB, 10GB, 75GB, or 100 GB of cloud storage, depending on the plan chosen. Cloud storage is an ideal preventative measure in the event of PC data loss, due to hard drive failure, theft of a device and even ransomware which could otherwise erase important files and documents.
- PC SafeCam: Certain plans include this feature to alert you to attempts to access your webcam and help you block access to it.
- Parental Control: This feature is to help children explore the internet more safely.
- Smart Firewall for PC: Helps protect your device and data from malicious attacks and intrusive eyes by monitoring and blocking suspicious network traffic.
- Password Manager: Create, store and manage your passwords, credit card information and other credentials online, more easily.
- Norton 360 for Gamers: If you enjoy gaming, Norton 360 for Gamers offers advanced protection features, specifically designed to address gamers’ unique security needs, without interfering with gameplay. The in-built Game Optimizer feature allows gamers maximize their game performance, so they can enjoy a more immersive gameplay experience.
Norton 360 Premium is for up to 10 devices, PCs, Mac, smartphones or tablets
Norton 360 Deluxe is for up to five PCs, Mac, smartphones or tablets
Norton 360 Standard is for one PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet
Norton 360 for Gamers, with Game Optimizer, offers protection for up to 3 PCs, Mac, smartphones or tablets
For more information on Norton 360, please visit https://malaysia.norton.com/360.
Credited to NortonLifeLock