Kuala lumpur: ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, need stronger cyber protection as the region accelerates digital adoption, said Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS chief information security officer CJ Moses highlighted that cyber threats are increasingly linked to physical threats, necessitating a unified management approach by organizations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Moses emphasized that attackers often exploit online systems that are not properly secured, including outdated software and weak access controls. He pointed out that many companies and government agencies neglect basic cyber hygiene practices, such as regular software patching and multi-factor authentication, thereby increasing their vulnerability to attacks. These basic security issues pose the largest risk for businesses, governments, and small companies across ASEAN.
Moses shared these insights during an exclusive interview on the sidelines of AWS re:Invent 2025, the company’s largest technology conference, which gathers approximately 60,000 industry players and runs from December 1 to 5 in Las Vegas. To counter threats, AWS employs advanced threat intelligence tools like MADPOT and Mithra systems to detect attacks early and provide insights into malicious activities, thereby helping AWS protect its customers.
He explained that these systems track how attackers operate, including scanning, reconnaissance, and exploitation of vulnerabilities. By learning from these actions, AWS strengthens its security measures to prevent attacks before they occur. For Malaysia, in particular, Moses stated that as cloud adoption and artificial intelligence-driven systems expand, organizations must enhance cyber hygiene to protect sensitive data and digital infrastructure.
He concluded that improving cyber hygiene is critical for ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, as cloud usage and AI adoption grow, supporting safer digital-driven economic growth in the region. Strong identity and access management, along with controlled privileges, are essential measures to reduce risks. Proactive, layered cybersecurity is vital for ASEAN to maintain trust and resilience as the region continues its digital transformation.