MKN, Nacsa urge government agencies to beef up cybersecurity following Anonymous Malaysia threat

A file photo of computer code displayed on screens in Danbury, UK. MKN is issuing a warning notice to all local government agencies urging them to shore up their cybersecurity in the wake of Anonymous Malaysia's threat. — Bloomberg

PETALING JAYA: The National Security Council (MKN) has issued a warning notice to all government agencies, urging them to take proactive measures to prevent and minimise the impact of possible cyberattacks.

The statement comes after a group that claimed to be Anonymous Malaysia announced plans to attack government websites in a recent video released on Facebook.

MKN and its National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) said it takes the threat issued by Anonymous Malaysia seriously.

MKN and Nacsa are also working with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to coordinate and undertake the appropriate steps necessary to tackle the threat.

It added that the government prioritises the security of the country’s national information technology infrastructure, including critical systems, and have outlined measures to strengthen its IT systems, such as efforts to improve the skills and expertise of relevant officers.

It said these measures were in accordance with the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy plan, which was launched in October 2020.

On Monday night (Jan 25), Anonymous Malaysia claimed it will launch a cyberattack on local government websites soon in an operation dubbed #OpsWakeUp21.

The group said the attack will serve as a “wake-up call” as it demanded that the government do more to prevent data leaks.