Malaysia’s Digital Rise: Synology Country Manager Explains Why Data Protection Matters Now More Than Ever

Synology recently hosted a media event in Kuala Lumpur to address the evolving challenges of data security in the Malaysian digital landscape. Jason Sin, Synology’s Country Manager for Malaysia, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing robust data protection solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Jason revealed impressive growth for Synology in Malaysia, with a 50% market share increase driven by strong adoption among Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs) and enterprises. This growth coincides with a surge in demand for data security solutions, experiencing a notable 20% increase.

He attributed this trend to Malaysia’s ambitious plans to become a regional technology hub, aptly nicknamed the “Asian Digital Tiger.” This digital transformation creates a pressing need for robust data backups and security measures, particularly in the face of escalating cyber threats like ransomware attacks.

“Businesses must not only safeguard critical data but also ensure compliance with stringent data regulations like the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA),” emphasised Jason. Synology’s solutions are designed to address both aspects effectively.

During the event, Jason showcased Synology’s three-pronged approach to data security:

• Centralised Protection: Active Backup for Business, integrated with Synology’s DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, acts as a one-stop shop for data backups. It covers physical servers, personal computers, and virtual environments, allowing system administrators to manage backups efficiently from a single console.
• Ransomware Mitigation: While Synology’s Secure SignIn cannot directly prevent ransomware, it adds layers of security to the authentication process. Logins can be verified through multiple factors, including hardware keys or approved sign-ins, making unauthorised access more difficult.
• Comprehensive Recovery: Jason demonstrated Synology’s Snapshot Replication feature, which allows for quick data restoration in case of accidental deletion or virus attacks. The system offers flexible scheduling and retention settings, streamlining data recovery for businesses.

Jason acknowledged the growing popularity of cloud-based solutions but highlighted the continued reliance on NAS (Network Attached Storage) by many Malaysian businesses. He explained that cloud storage might not be the perfect fit for every organisation, citing data sovereignty concerns and potential cost limitations with pay-per-use models. NAS solutions offer greater control and cost-efficiency over the long term, making them particularly attractive for SMBs.

Jason also pointed out budget constraints as a major hurdle for implementing backup solutions.  “Synology offers a one-time purchase model,” he explained.  “Organisations can invest in a Synology NAS that integrates file server and backup server functionality, eliminating ongoing subscription fees.”

Beyond Synology’s offerings, Jason stressed the importance of best practices like separation of duties for administrators and implementing multi-factor authentication. He encouraged businesses to collaborate with data management providers to stay updated on best practices and evolving threats.

The event concluded with a brief discussion on the recent data breach involving a Malaysian government agency. While confirming Synology provided file server solutions, Jason clarified that backup functionality was not involved. He explained that the breach likely stemmed from misconfiguration and a lack of multi-factor authentication, highlighting the importance of comprehensive data protection strategies.