PETALING JAYA: While small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should allocate a budget for cybersecurity, the government should provide a subsidy to encourage implementation, says the SME Association of Malaysia.
Like protection against theft and fire, association president Chin Chee Seong said robust cybersecurity measures are vital for business sustainability and resilience.
He urged SMEs to not only take action when a cybersecurity attack happens.
“SMEs must allocate a budget for cybersecurity measures as they are not a one-off purchase and have to be done continuously,” he said when contacted.
He said another suggestion to encourage adoption is that the government subsidises half of the cost at least for a year.
“This will kick-start the adoption of cybersecurity measures, especially among SMEs,” added Chin.
He said some SMEs may neither be aware nor familiar with the severity of cyberattacks.
“The government through its various agencies should improve awareness either through forums or seminars to pitch SMEs on why it’s important to be protected,” he said.
Chin said cyberattacks could have a more drastic impact compared with other hazards like fire.
“For example, if data is hacked, it will definitely affect businesses.
“There are also more cybersecurity vendors now offering affordable prices.
“It is also cheaper to hire an external cybersecurity provider in the long run as necessary measures will be taken to protect an SME,” he said.
Cybersecurity specialist Fong Choong Fook said cybersecurity should not be left as an afterthought for SMEs but seen as part of doing business.
“When running a business, you need protection against theft and fire. The same should be seen with cybersecurity.
“Today, the cost of cybersecurity is also the cost of business sustainability and protection,” he said.
