Keep calm, cyberattacks under control, says Teo

KULAI: The public need not panic about the increase in cyberattacks, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching (pic).

She said this is because the government has several agencies, particularly the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), which constantly monitors such matters.Teo said cyberattacks are not a new issue, especially as digital telecommunication networks become more advanced.

“So far, the public need not worry. Yes, indeed, these (cyberattacks) have occurred, especially involving sensitive and hot issues.

“Because of this, the government has formulated the Cyber Security Bill. This Bill aims to defend the country’s critical infrastructure, including data centres, hospitals, banking and communication systems.

“All of these are very important security assets for the country,” the Kulai MP told reporters after hosting an iftar (breaking fast) event at her constituency here on Sunday, Bernama reported.

Teo also urged the public to remain calm and continue trusting and having confidence in the national security agencies, including the Defence Ministry and National Security Council, in dealing with such matters.

“They are among the agencies that can protect sensitive data and information involving national security,” she added.

On Saturday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the country’s defence system is subjected to about 3,000 cyberattacks every day, especially after Malaysia declared its support for Palestine.

The Dewan Rakyat last Tuesday passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024 aimed at enhancing the country’s cybersecurity through compliance with specific measures, standards and processes in managing cyberthreats.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo was reported to have said that according to the Bill, there are 11 sectors defined as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

These include the government, banking and finance, transportation, defence and national security as well as information, communication and digital sectors.