CMERP satellite lab to tackle malware threats in Malaysia

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the lab was set up using the ministry's allocation through its agency CyberSecurity Malaysia with the cooperation from UTeM.

"It would conduct various researches in the field of cyber security as an early preparation to detect malware threats, besides to collect data and predict possible attacks.

"The increase usage of information and communications technology (ICT) has contributed to the cyber security risks...without knowledge and awareness on the cyber security, people will fall victims to cyber threats," he told reporters after officiating the CMERP satellite laboratory here, Wednesday.

Also present were CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab and UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Shahrin Sahib.

Abu Bakar said the lab, which would be directly monitored by CyberSecurity Malaysia headquarters in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, would also provide digital forensic analysis service, covering further investigations to identify the cause of infection and those responsible in spreading the virus.

Meanwhile Amirudin said malware attacks would cause losses of money and personal data.

Therefore, he said cyber security threats, especially malware attack, were the main focus of CyberSecurity Malaysia and numerous actions had been taken, including cooperation with local and foreign intelligence agencies, to monitor the current development.

"We are also cooperating with universities in various fields relating to cyber security so that the expertise in cyber threats will be expanded nationwide," he said.

Shahrin, on the other hand, said the opening of the laboratory would inadvertently increase the functions of UTeM Centre of Excellence in the fields of cyber security.

He said the cooperation with the ministry and CyberSecurity Malaysia would also strengthen research and development in cyber security in Malaysia.