Raja Nushirwan, pictured chatting with a participant at the symposium, says cyber security threats can range from dramatic events triggered by geopolitical conflicts to commonplace breaches as ordinary individuals navigate cyberspace without taking precautions. – BERNAMApic
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has made significant strides in strengthening cyber security, with the establishment of the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) in 2017 proof of its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure.
National Security Council (NSC) director-general Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin said Nacsa serves as the central coordinating body for cyber security efforts.
It facilitates information sharing, provides guidance and develops policies to enhance Malaysia's resilience against cyber threats, he added.
He said the journey towards such resilience requires a holistic approach that transcends governmental efforts and necessitates a "quadruple helix” involving government, industry stakeholders, academia and civil society in a collaborative endeavour to bolster collective cybersecurity capabilities.
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"Threats to cyber security can take various forms. There is the dramatic kind – geopolitical conflicts and tensions may spill over into the (digital sphere), generating cyber attacks aiming to cripple a nation’s critical infrastructure," he said when delivering his keynote address at the Malaysia Cyber Security Ecosystem Symposium 2023 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) here on Monday (July 10).
The symposium is in conjunction with the Cyber Defence & Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2023 that showcases the latest in security technology and innovations in the form of specialist products and solutions from local and foreign companies.
Raja Nushirwan said at the same time, cyber criminals will perpetrate schemes aimed at causing institutional instability.
Threats can also emanate from a more prosaic cause, which is our own individual carelessness as we navigate cyberspace, he added.
"At the heart of cyber security efforts lies the crucial element of awareness which is to foster a culture of security consciousness across all sectors and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to safely navigate the digital landscape.
"By raising awareness about cyber risks, promoting best practices, and emphasising the importance of cyber 'hygiene', we empower our citizens to become active participants in fortifying our nation's digital defences,” he said.
He added that as Malaysians navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, they must remain committed to upholding fundamental principles and norms in cyberspace.
"By adhering to internationally accepted norms and participating in cyber diplomacy, we can shape the global landscape and contribute to the development of responsible and cooperative cyber security frameworks," he said.
CYDES 2023, which ends on Thursday (July 13), is themed "Building Cyber Resilience: Safeguarding The Digital Future”. There are 200 exhibitors from 15 countries and 50 eminent personalities in the field taking part. – Bernama
