Cyber Security Threats Are Real Here S How We Can Fight Back

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 With cyberattacks threatening our finances, health, and security, CYDES 2025 emerges as a critical defence, showcasing the tools and strategies to protect our world.
Imagine waking up to a drained bank account or arriving at a hospital where a cyberattack has locked doctors out of patient records. Picture a nation’s power grid failing due to a sophisticated digital strike.
These are not just scenes from movies anymore — they are real threats hitting harder every day, endangering lives, businesses, and entire nations.
Enter Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2025, Malaysia’s powerhouse cyber security exhibition that is more than a tech show — it is a proactive defence line, arming nations, businesses, and individuals with the tools, talent, and strategies to outrun cyber threats.
The numbers are staggering — cybercrime led to US$8 trillion in losses globally in 2023, and is projected to hit US$10.5 trillion by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, which publishes a magazine on cybercrime.
Beyond dollars, the human toll — lost trust, disrupted lives, compromised safety — raises the stakes.
CYDES 2025 does not just take note of this crisis; it is a frontline defence, turning cutting-edge tech and global teamwork into action.
A sneak preview
CYDES 2025 is poised to redefine cyber security exhibitions with an unprecedented lineup of new features, participants, and forward-thinking initiatives that set it apart from previous years’ events.
One of the most anticipated moments at CYDES 2025, to be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre from July 1 to July 3, will be the official launch of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2025–2030.
This landmark policy, to be unveiled by deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, marks a transformative step in shaping the nation’s cyber resilience roadmap for the next five years.
The objective of these high-level sessions is to strengthen cross-border information sharing, operational coordination, and policy alignment, reinforcing Malaysia’s leadership during its Asean chairmanship.
With over 200 participating organisations, 70 foreign delegations from 20 countries, and more than 8,000 trade visitors, CYDES 2025 reflects not only Malaysia’s cyber ambitions but also the global urgency to unite in defending the digital frontier.
Attendees can also explore cutting-edge innovations through tech demonstrations and exhibitions, featuring AI governance frameworks, quantum-resistant cryptography solutions, and operational technology security tools — critical technologies aimed at securing digital ecosystems against today’s evolving cyber threats.
Asean Pavilion spotlight
For the first time at CYDES, the Asean Pavilion will emerge as a unified regional showcase of Southeast Asia’s cyber capabilities.
Participating Asean member states will exhibit collaborative innovations, including regionally developed threat intelligence platforms, cross-border incident response mechanisms and AI-driven cyber security tools tailored for critical sectors.
This pavilion symbolises Asean’s collective push for a secure digital future, in line with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship and the bloc’s growing role in global cyber resilience.
With quantum computing threatening current encryption, CYDES 2025 will also preview algorithms designed to withstand quantum attacks, ensuring long-term data security.
Exhibitors will also demonstrate AI systems that anticipate and neutralise threats faster than human analysts, a leap forward from traditional methods seen in past editions.
Hands-on workshops and cyber capacity building
CYDES 2025 will feature targeted workshops designed to strengthen national and regional cyber resilience. Key sessions include those on strengthening Malaysia’s cybercrime framework and aligning local legislation with international standards.
The Asean Cyber Security Cooperation Strategy (ACCS) 2026-2030 Workshop will be held for regional leaders to collaborate on formulating an actionable and unified cyber security strategy.
There will also be an Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security Forum, focusing on risk mitigation for critical infrastructure and industrial systems, a growing priority in the face of sophisticated cyber threats.
Cultivating regional talent and readiness
As part of a long-term vision, CYDES 2025 will showcase the next generation of cyber defenders through several interactive and competitive platforms.
The Asean MY Cyber Hero programme promotes youth engagement and regional collaboration through scenario-based challenges.
The ICS Capture the Flag competition, sponsored by Velum Labs, offers participants a chance to test their technical skills in real-time industrial system defence simulations.
A series of hands-on training and cyber exercises will provide immersive environments for both novice and seasoned professionals to sharpen their response capabilities.
High-level forums
Returning for its third edition, the Asean Cyber Security Forum (ACSF) will gather regional policymakers, cyber leaders, and strategic partners to address pressing cross-border cyber threats.
This cornerstone strategy for strengthening cross-border cyber cooperation within Asean expands its strategic dialogue through bilateral and multilateral engagements, including the Asean-Australia Cyber Dialogue, enhancing its regional and international scope.
The third edition of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy Forum 2025 will then serve as a premier platform to introduce and dissect the MCSS 2025–2030, with in-depth conversations on the Cyber Security Act 2024, AI governance, quantum-resistant cryptography, operational technology security, and crisis management.
Complementing these high-level engagements, the Cyber Podium will spotlight dynamic thought leadership through curated talks and special addresses by renowned cyber security experts, further enriching the discourse on emerging challenges and solutions.
Distinctive theme
The official theme for CYDES 2025 is “Advancing Cyber Resilience”, reflecting the urgent need for proactive, adaptive, and forward-looking cyber security strategies.
Unlike previous editions that may have focused more on technical advancement or immediate response, this year’s theme emphasises building enduring capabilities to withstand, respond to, and recover from cyber threats across sectors and borders.
CYDES 2025 shifts the conversation from reactive security to strategic resilience, encouraging dialogue on cross-sector collaboration, technological innovation, and policy harmonisation.
This aligns with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship and reinforces the nation’s leadership in setting regional cyber security priorities.
Hands-on learning for everyone
CYDES 2025 goes beyond boardrooms and technical briefings — it opens the door for broader public engagement in cyber security. Whether you are a student, policymaker, or curious citizen, the event provides insight into how cyber threats affect everyday life.
Through the exhibition, attendees will experience “live” demonstrations of cutting-edge cyber solutions, from encryption technologies to threat detection systems tailored for critical infrastructure.
Cyber security isn’t abstract — it is personal. A hacked email could ruin your day; a breached hospital could delay your care.
CYDES 2025 is your chance to join a global movement that is fighting back. It is not about watching threats — it is about stopping them.
Register now at the CYDES 2025 website and connect with experts, explore cutting-edge defences, and help shape the future of cyber security.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or concerned citizen, your presence strengthens our shield. Let’s secure tomorrow — starting today. 
The writer can be contacted at [email protected].
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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