Stricter enforcement needed to combat rising cybercrime, says analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: Strict enforcement and penalties for individuals committing cyberattacks need to be implemented to curb the escalating situation, says crime analyst Shahul Hamid Abdul Rahim.

He stressed that the issue requires serious attention as cybercrime in the country has become increasingly complex.

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"The country has laws, regulations, and penalties, but if enforcement is not carried out seriously, the threat to the nation will continue. The Cyber Security Act has been established and is still new, so I haven't seen it used seriously yet.

"Enforcement is not being practiced thoroughly. Investigations, prosecutions, and arrests need to be conducted so that those who intend to hack data will be wary because we are serious about implementing the Act.

"(We need to) reexamine existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure they are accurate and effective because proving cyberattacks is not easy and requires many specifications in the investigation," he said during the Ruang Bicara programme produced by Bernama TV on Wednesday (July 24).

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Shahul Hamid emphasised that the laws should be re-evaluated to determine whether they are sufficient or need improvement to effectively address cyberattacks.

"We need to conduct serious investigations and prosecute offenders with heavier charges. If there are weaknesses in enforcement, we may need to amend sections and penalties for the offenders.

"For example, recently, netizens were dissatisfied with the maximum RM100 fine imposed on a welfare home owner for intentionally using abusive language, which led to the death of an influencer. This involves people's dignity and other such matters," he said.

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Additionally, he suggested that social media users be educated to handle and identify cyber threats and scams.

"We need to educate users on best security practices. This education must start from home through parents, then move to the school level and beyond.

"Children are already proficient with phones, they are smart and can access various websites, so education needs to come from home first.

"This includes scam crimes. Malaysians are easily deceived; a little pleading, and they immediately hand over what they have. Be cautious when using social media, if someone you don't know contacts you, immediately stop the conversation," he said. – Bernama