Attempted Cyberattacks Do Not Affect Nation’s Banking Systems

DOHA: The country’s online banking systems and financial transactions remain secure despite attempted cyberattacks by non-state actors, including the recent hacking incident involving Bank Rakyat’s website.

Communications Minister and Government Spokesperson Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said that, so far, the detected hacking attempts had not resulted in data theft or disrupted the operations of the country’s online banking systems.

“So far, we have detected attempts by non-state actors to carry out activities such as hacking and other cyber intrusions, but these have not resulted in data theft or affected online banking systems.

“Therefore, the banking sector, financial sector and online transactions remain secure,” he said.

He was responding to a question from a Malaysian about the latest developments concerning cyberattacks against the country, particularly the hacking incident involving Bank Rakyat’s website, after attending a bowling event at the Malaysian Games in Qatar (SUQMA 2026) here today.

Also present were Malaysia’s Ambassador to Qatar, Faizal Razali, and Malaysian Association of Qatar (MAQ) President Dr Mohd Faris Khamidi.

Commenting on the hacking incident involving Bank Rakyat’s website, Fahmi said it only involved changes to the website’s appearance, which was managed by a third party.

“Most recently, Bank Rakyat informed us that its website, which is managed by a third party, had been hacked. However, it was merely a case of website defacement, and the website had been compromised,” he said.

He said Bank Rakyat had taken measures to block access to the affected server and redirected users to the i-Rakyat website, which is wholly owned by the banking institution.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed the National Security Council (NSC) early last week to examine security threats, particularly hybrid threats targeting various national infrastructure facilities.

He said the assessment covered internet infrastructure, websites and databases to ensure that the country’s digital assets remained protected.

He added that the Prime Minister had also called for a more thorough examination of cybersecurity measures involving all government assets, banking institutions and government-linked companies (GLCs) during yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.

“During yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister requested a more comprehensive review of cybersecurity measures involving all government assets, banking institutions and government-linked companies (GLCs), including assessments by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and the NSC,” he said.

Fahmi is leading the Malaysian delegation to the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (ITU PP-26) from November 6 to 11.

The conference also serves as an important platform for Malaysia’s participation in international discussions and cooperation concerning the telecommunications and digital technology sectors.

His working visit to Doha also carries an important mission for Malaysia to retain its seat on the ITU Council for the 2027–2030 term.

UTUSAN MALAYSIA