Malaysia’s DNB and Ericsson Launch First-of-its-Kind 5G Scam Detection Technology to Combat Fraudulent Transmitters

Brickinfo News Agency – Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), Malaysia’s state-backed 5G network provider, has partnered with Ericsson to deploy a new security capability designed to identify and locate illegal transmitters used for sending scam messages. This innovation, announced at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, marks the world’s first trial of Radio Access Network (RAN) enhancements aimed at detecting false base stations within a commercial 5G network at no additional cost to mobile users.

The deployment comes as a direct response to the rising threat of digital fraud across Southeast Asia. According to the GSMA ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2025, 45 percent of consumers in the region reported falling victim to scams, a significant increase from 31 percent the previous year. In Malaysia specifically, authorities have already taken extensive measures, blocking approximately 2.1 billion suspicious calls and unsolicited messages between 2022 and August 2025.

This new technology functions by providing enhanced network visibility and advanced analytics to neutralize suspicious activity without requiring manual tracing. It targets scammers who use unauthorized transmitters to impersonate legitimate mobile base stations, a tactic often used to send authentic-looking messages containing malicious links. By integrating Ericsson’s network software with the Ericsson Security Manager platform, the system can remotely detect these false stations, thereby safeguarding user privacy and personal financial information.

Datuk Azman Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of DNB, stated, “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, noted that security remains a fundamental pillar of the country’s 5G infrastructure. He commented, “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.” The implementation ensures that Malaysia’s 5G infrastructure remains resilient against evolving mobile network threats while reinforcing public confidence in digital communications.