Kuala Lumpur: The country’s cyber defence system must be strengthened to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, particularly amid growing threats from radical extremist groups, which exploit cyber attacks as a means of generating income.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, security and political analyst from the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin, stated that while Malaysia’s cyber defence system remains relevant, it must be reinforced, particularly in terms of speed and precision. He emphasized the need for strategies that enhance cyber security capabilities in response to hackers’ evolving tactics, alongside refining cyber emergency training, such as the National Drill, to ensure a high level of readiness.
Dr Noor Nirwandy’s comments followed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s revelation that Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad’s (MAHB) digital system had recently been targeted by hackers demanding a ransom of USD10 million. Anwar underscored the government’s refusal to bow to the threat and highlighted the importance of bolstering the country’s cyber security by allocating additional funds to various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Bank Negara Malaysia.
Noor Nirwandy emphasized the seriousness of cyber threats as a warning for continuous enhancements to the nation’s cyber defence system. He highlighted the significance of international collaboration in developing a stronger and more resilient cyber security framework. While acknowledging the effectiveness of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) in monitoring threats, he stressed the need for greater collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public to foster a cyber security-conscious culture.
Additionally, cyber security expert, Associate Professor Dr Nur Izura Udzir from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), warned that a cyber attack on MAHB’s digital system could severely disrupt airport operations and pose a risk to national stability. She called for investments in national cybersecurity, particularly for critical infrastructure, to mitigate such risks.
Dr Nur Izura, also the deputy director at UPM’s Centre for Strategy and Corporate Relations and a member of Cyber Security Academia Malaysia (CSAM), suggested exploring artificial intelligence (AI) technology to strengthen the nation’s cyber security framework further. She also advocated for reducing Malaysia’s reliance on foreign cyber security systems by advancing its own technological capabilities.
She concluded by emphasizing the potential of local experts and agencies like NACSA to be further strengthened, reflecting the government’s commitment to cyber security, which is crucial in reinforcing the country’s security system.