KUALA LUMPUR: The country's cyber defence system must be strengthened in pace with rapidly evolving technology amid growing threats from radical extremist groups that use cyber attacks to generate income.
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies security and political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said Malaysia's cyber defence system must be reinforced, particularly in terms of speed and precision.
"Among the key strategies to enhance cyber security are strengthening capabilities in line with hackers' evolving modus operandi, and refining cyber emergency training, such as the National Drill, to ensure a high level of readiness,” he said.
He was referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement on Tuesday (March 25), which revealed that Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad’s (MAHB) digital system had recently been targeted by hackers, demanding a ransom of USD10mil.
Anwar, however, said that the government would not bow to the threat and emphasised the need to bolster cybersecurity through more funding to several agencies, including the police and Bank Negara Malaysia.
Noor Nirwandy said the government should view cyber threats seriously by making continuous enhancements to the nation’s cyber defence system.
He also highlighted the importance of working with international partners to develop a stronger and more resilient cybersecurity framework.
He noted that the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) has been effective in monitoring cyber threats to the country. However, he stressed for greater collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public to foster a cybersecurity-conscious culture and strengthen preparedness against evolving threats.
Meanwhile, cybersecurity expert Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Computer Science and Information Technology Faculty Associate Professor Dr Nur Izura Udzir cautioned that a cyber attack on MAHB's digital system could severely disrupt airport operations and pose a risk to national stability.
"Cyber attacks of this nature can damage reputations, erode stakeholder trust, lead to operational losses, and incur significant compensation costs. It is time for us to invest in national cybersecurity, particularly for critical infrastructure,” she said.
Nur Izura, who is also UPM's Centre for Strategy and Corporate Relations deputy director (strategic management) and a member of Cyber Security Academia Malaysia (CSAM), suggested exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to further strengthen the nation's cybersecurity framework.
She also emphasised the importance of reducing Malaysia's dependence on foreign cybersecurity systems by advancing its homegrown technological capabilities.
"Our country has many experts, including agencies like Nacsa, which can be further strengthened. This is a positive step which reflects the government's commitment to cyber security, and such efforts are crucial in reinforcing the country’s security system,” she said. - Bernama
