WHILE the advancement in cyberspace provides opportunities for innovation, commerce and development, it raises issues such as cyberthreats.
Hackers have become increasingly sophisticated in their assaults on critical infrastructure, intellectual property, national security and personal data.
The Internet is exploited by criminals to operate cyberscams, while terrorists are recruiting members and encouraging violent attacks through online propaganda.
These criminals are also exploiting social media to expand their activities.
It was recently reported that syndicates had come up with a new tactic to recruit people to become drug mules through social media platforms such as Facebook. They often offer free travel packages or large sums of money.
Immediate and proactive measures are needed since the Malaysia Computer Emergency Response Team under Cyber Security Malaysia had recorded more than 10,000 cybersecurity attacks on corporations and individuals last year alone.
A report published by Symantec’s Internet Security Threat revealed that malicious attacks on Internet of Things devices had increased by 600 per cent between 2016 and 2017.
It is crucial to safeguard the Internet as analysts estimate that more than 50 billion devices will be connected globally next year.
The establishment of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) in 2017 was timely as it can act as the lead agency to tackle cybersecurity issues by securing and strengthening Malaysia’s resilience in facing the threats of cyberattacks.
By coordinating and consolidating experts and resources in cybersecurity, NACSA could develop and implement cybersecurity policies and strategies.
While the government is developing policy, legal, economic, and societal parameters for cyberspace to keep pace with the threats, other parties must also play their roles to stamp out violent extremism and scams.
On the global stage, nations are pushing for action in the wake of massacres at two New Zealand mosques in March.
Executives from Google, Twitter, Facebook and Microsoft met the leaders of France, New Zealand and other countries in Paris to launch the “Christchurch Call” of voluntary commitments for online platforms.
All of us must commit to help build a more humane Internet and safe cyberspace that is not exploited by criminals, including terrorists and scammers.
We must organise programmes to create awareness about cyberthreats. A well-informed public could protect itself from becoming victims.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Senior vice-chairman, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation