COUNTRY'S CYBER DEFENCE SYSTEM MUST KEEP PACE WITH EVOLVING TECHNOLOGY - EXPERTS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- The country's cyber defence system must be strengthened to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology, particularly amid growing threats from radical extremist groups, which exploit cyber attacks as a means of generating income.

Security and political analyst from the Centre for Media and Information Warfare Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said while Malaysia's cyber defence system remains relevant, it must be reinforced, particularly in terms of speed and precision.

“Among the key strategies which can be used 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 when contacted by Bernama.

He was referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement on Tuesday, which revealed that Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad’s (MAHB) digital system had recently been targeted by hackers, demanding a ransom of USD10 million. 

Anwar, however, said that the government did not bow to the threat and emphasised the need to bolster the country’s cyber security, by allocating additional funds to several agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Bank Negara Malaysia.

Noor Nirwandy said the government should view cyber threats as a serious warning, necessitating continuous enhancements to the nation’s cyber defence system. He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in developing a stronger and more resilient cyber security framework.

He noted that the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) has been effective in monitoring cyber threats to the country. However, he emphasised the need for greater collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public to foster a cyber security-conscious culture and strengthen preparedness against evolving threats.

Meanwhile, cyber security expert, Associate Professor Dr Nur Izura Udzir, from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 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 the deputy director (Strategic Management) at UPM's Centre for Strategy and Corporate Relations, and a member of Cyber Security Academia Malaysia (CSAM), suggested exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to further strengthen the nation's cyber security framework.

She also emphasised the importance of reducing Malaysia's dependence on foreign cyber security systems, by advancing its own 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