DNB and Ericsson deploy scam message detection for enhanced protection in Malaysia

Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), Malaysia’s premier 5G network provider, in partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), has introduced a groundbreaking capability within its 5G network management systems to detect illegal transmitters used to disseminate scam messages to mobile users.

Announced today at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the innovation marks the world’s first trial of a Radio Access Network (RAN) and network management enhancement designed to detect false base stations within a commercial 5G network.

Deployed across DNB’s national 5G network and powered by Ericsson’s network software together with the Ericsson Security Manager cybersecurity platform, this capability supports the government’s call for the telecommunications industry to take decisive action against the growing threat of scams.

According to the GSMA ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2025, 45 per cent of consumers across the ASEAN region reported having fallen victim to a scam, up from 31 per cent the previous year. In Malaysia alone, authorities blocked 2.1 billion suspicious calls and unsolicited messages between 2022 and August 2025.

This latest innovation provides an additional layer of protection for Malaysians against scammers who deploy illegal transmitters to impersonate legitimate mobile base stations and send authentic‑looking messages containing malicious links aimed at stealing personal or financial information.

The technology delivers enhanced network visibility and advanced analytics to identify and neutralise suspicious activity without the need for manual tracing of transmission sources.

This significantly strengthens Malaysia’s mobile network defences against scam‑related threats.

Implemented on DNB’s secure national 5G infrastructure, the capability enables the wholesale network provider to swiftly safeguard user privacy, reinforce public confidence in mobile communications at no additional cost to network operators, and underscores DNB’s continued commitment to enhancing the quality, resilience, and security of Malaysia’s 5G network.

DNB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Azman Ismail emphasized, “Our foremost priority has always been to deliver a secure and trusted national 5G network for the people of Malaysia. This innovation strengthens consumer protection by remotely detecting false base stations, helping to prevent scams and safeguard privacy. It marks another important milestone in building a safer, more intelligent 5G ecosystem, and reflects DNB’s ongoing commitment to continuously enhancing the quality, resilience and security of our network for customers nationwide, at no extra cost.”

David Hägerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, added, “Security has always been a key pillar in Malaysia’s 5G journey. This security enhancement with DNB shows how advanced network intelligence can protect subscribers without additional hardware or manual effort. It reflects the progress of Malaysia’s digital journey, where performance, sustainability, and security go hand in hand.”

RELATED LINKS:

Effective and explainable AI – a use case of false base station detection

Ericsson Security Manager

Manage increasing telecom network security threats – Ericsson

Safeguarding telecom networks against advanced threats with Ericsson’s cyber defense solutions

ABOUT DIGITAL NASIONAL BERHAD
Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) was established in 2021 to accelerate the deployment of 5G infrastructure and network in Malaysia, in order to spur economic activity, promote service-based competition within the communications industry and bridge the urban-rural digital divide. Malaysia’s 5G rollout is one of the fastest in the world, with DNB now achieving more than 80% coverage of populated areas. With an estimated RM150 billion GDP impact and 750,000 high-skilled jobs created in 2030, 5G will drive efficiencies, increase productivity, and create new opportunities throughout the entire economy.

For further information on DNB, visit digital-nasional.com.my.