NEC Malaysia rolls out cybersecurity Trade-Up Program amid rising attacks

NEC Malaysia launches Trade-Up Program and 24/7 services to help organizations upgrade systems and improve security.

NEC Corporation of Malaysia has rolled out a new Cybersecurity Trade-Up Program to help businesses replace outdated systems with modern defenses.

The launch comes at a time when cyberattacks in Malaysia are becoming more complex: ransomware cases jumped 78% in 2024, even as overall cyber incidents dipped by 4%. Phishing remains the top entry point, driving 71% of fraud-related breaches, while more than 1,500 attacks targeted at government ministries.

The numbers show a wider issue whereby technology alone cannot keep organizations safe. Weak internal practices and rigid IT policies often slow the adoption of new tools, leaving businesses exposed. Malware, fake apps, and targeted phishing campaigns are exploiting those gaps with growing success.

Experts argue that companies need to see cybersecurity as part of their daily operations, not just a checklist.

“Cybersecurity transcends IT—it demands a culture-wide commitment,” said Kevin Lai, Solution Specialist at NEC Corporation of Malaysia. “Even the most advanced systems can be undermined by weak internal practices. Building a strong security culture is just as critical as deploying the right technologies.”

The Trade-Up Program

NEC’s new initiative is designed to support organizations moving away from legacy systems by providing a cost-efficient path to upgrade to Fortinet solutions.

“Our Trade-Up Program allows customers to swap out expiring hardware or software—be it Fortinet or other brands—to gain access to modern and robust cybersecurity solutions,” said Eddie Hooi, Head of Global Network Services & APAC CoE Business Development Lead at NEC Malaysia.

“We are well-positioned to support companies’ needs, serving as both a cybersecurity integrator and a managed services provider.”

Through the program, companies can access tools such as Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS), Web Application Firewall (WAF), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). The aim is to strengthen protection and extend support without adding unnecessary costs.

For organizations that prefer to outsource, NEC Malaysia also provides round-the-clock managed services. Its Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) in Johor deliver continuous monitoring, incident response, and remediation across the country.

“Our SOC and NOC deliver 24/7 incident management and nationwide remediation through a dedicated Managed Services Desk—ensuring rapid response and operational resilience,” Lai explained.

Alongside incident handling, NEC offers threat prediction, prevention, and asset management to give businesses better visibility of their IT environments. These services are intended to reduce the strain on in-house teams while improving defenses against complex attacks.

Building security into culture

While new tools help, experts warn that many organizations still rely on restrictive policies that offer short-term protection but limit innovation. In a climate where attacks are growing more advanced, that approach is no longer enough.

Both modern systems and stronger practices are needed. NEC Malaysia positions its Trade-Up Program and managed services as part of that shift, but Lai stressed the cultural dimension: “There is a need to prioritize mindset shifts aside from just tool upgrades; we need to consider the importance of education, clear protocols, and shared responsibility.”