KUALA LUMPUR: A national cyber security policy will be introduced in the first quarter of next year to curb cyber attacks in the country.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said
the policy was aimed at curbbing cyber attacks from within and outside the country and would include protection of personal information of internet users.
“The policy is being drafted by the ministry and we expect it to be announced in March next year. It will support our cybersecurity industry growth which include enhanced cybersecurity incident response and digital forensics with data analytic capabilities," he said.
Gobind was speaking to reporters after opening the National Cyber Security Strategy Development seminar here today.
The ministry, he said, was also in talks with several other ministries to amend or introduce new laws relating to cybercrime and cyberbullying.
The implementation of the policy was to build cyber-user security platforms and infrastructures, especially for digital entrepreneurs he added.
"Recently, we've heard that there are many 'cyber threats', ransomware attacks, data aggression and other security aspects involving Internet users.
"We have to figure out the country's cyber security direction. Malaysia will improve it’s cyber security policy, in the first phase of next year, "he said.
Present at the event was National Security Council (NSC) managing director, Engku Hamzah Mat; Chairman of the Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Ishsal Ishak; Cyber Security Agency Chief Executive Officer (NACSA), Ir Mohd Shah Nuri Md Zain and MDEC Ecosystem Director, Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad.
Gobind said the ministry would also cooperate with government agencies under the ministry including the Home Ministry (KDN) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) when it comes to cybersecurity..
Earlier in his speech, Gobind said Asian cyber security spending was estimated to touch 15 per cent within 10 years from 2015.
"Malaysia is among the top three Asian countries expected to utilise about 75 per cent of cyber services in 2025.
"AT Kearney Cybersecurity ASIA study revealed that nearly 1,000 leading Asian companies are likely to lose US $ 750 billion in the market due to cyber-attacks,” he said.
On the widespread issue of cyberbullying among local internet users, Gobind proposed amendments to the Penal Code (Act 574).
“Cyber bullying issues had been discussed with deputy Women, Family and Community Development minister, Hannah Yeoh.
"We are in the process of proposing that Act 574 be drafted to address cyber bullying.
"The discussion includes on whether the police or the ministry will take action if this act is amended," he said.