KUALA LUMPUR: A new structure for the Armed Forces Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division (DCED) will be formulated with other agencies, says the Defence Ministry (Mindef).Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said the collaboration would enable the Armed Forces to align with regional and global defence organisations in line with the Defence White Paper, which underscores the need to establish a dedicated organisation to handle the cyber domain.
“Building robust cyber security measures and fostering cyber security awareness is critical. Without them, incidents such as data breaches and disruptions of critical infrastructure will erode the integrity and credibility of our defence mechanisms.
“This could create uncertainty among investors and citizens, especially since today’s battlefront extends beyond land, sea and air to include the cyber world,” he said in his opening remarks for Siber Siaga 2023, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Adly added Siber Siaga 2023 seeks to expand cooperation and reinforce cross-sector collaboration among government agencies, industry players, academia and the cyber community.
Adly said the modern digital battlefield is a complex environment that requires constant adjustment and the use of emerging cyber technologies to achieve military objectives, while minimising undesired effects.
“Siber Siaga 2023 creates a platform that will enable a foundation for comprehensive and inclusive collaboration among sectors and contribute to the concept of Comprehensive Defence, one of the strategic pillars of Malaysia’s defence strategies,” he said.
Also present at the event were Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang, Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) chairman Jen (R) Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, and DCED director Rear Admiral Datuk Shamsuddin Ludin.
Meanwhile, Shamsuddin said Siber Siaga 2023 has created a platform for Asean cybersecurity leaders to exchange ideas towards expanding the cybersecurity agenda.
“This historic meeting has also opened a space for cooperation in forming an Asean cyber community. Several agreements have also been reached in developing cyber capabilities among Asean member countries,” he said.
Siber Siaga 2023 and CyberDSA 2023, which took place from Tuesday to today, drew in 70 companies, 1,100 professional members, 18 local universities and government agencies. — Bernama
