Interpol: Phishing and AI scams fuel cyber threat surge in Asia

New Straits Times

20-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Online scams, phishing, ransomware, and malware continue to be the most prevalent cyber threats across Asia, according to Interpol's Cybercrime Directorate.
Its director Dr Neal Jetton said phishing scams — often disguised as legitimate communications related to relationships, business deals or financial opportunities — had become the leading form of cybercrime globally.
"These scams are not confined to Malaysia or the Asia-Pacific region alone — they represent a global epidemic. In many instances, cybercriminals operating in one part of the world are targeting victims on entirely different continents," he said during the Cyber Games 2025 press conference held here today.
He said that about 75 to 80 per cent of cybercrime worldwide involved a human element, with phishing and social engineering comprising the majority of such incidents.
"We estimate that roughly 80 per cent of all cybercrime stems from human manipulation — whether through emails, messages, or platforms designed to deceive users into divulging sensitive information," he said.
Despite the increasing complexity of cyber threats, Jetton commended Malaysian law enforcement agencies for their commitment and close cooperation with Interpol.
"I've had the privilege of working with the Malaysian police and can confidently say they are diligent, progressive, and well-versed in the evolving threat landscape.
"Naturally, as with any country — including the US and Singapore — there is always room for more resources. However, Malaysia certainly ranks among the regional leaders in this area," he added.
Looking ahead, Jetton said that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), in-game encryption, and other digital tools could be exploited by cybercriminals.
"Generative AI, for instance, has the potential to significantly enhance phishing and impersonation scams. Law enforcement agencies often struggle to keep pace with such rapid advances, so close collaboration with private sector experts and academia is essential," he said.
He also said Interpol was revitalising its Cybercrime Expert Group — a global platform that will unite specialists from its 196 member countries, including Malaysia.
"We are extending invitations to cybercrime experts from law enforcement agencies worldwide to join this initiative. There will be regular virtual meetings and an in-person session later this year.
"This initiative offers a crucial opportunity for nations to share intelligence, strengthen partnerships, and collectively tackle the evolving threat of cybercrime," he said.