No need to panic about increase in cyber attacks - Teo

Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching said cyber attacks, which were done through various platforms, are not new, especially as digital telecommunication networks become more advanced.

"So far, the public does not need to worry. Yes, indeed, these matters (cyber attacks) occurred following international situations, especially involving sensitive and hot issues. Because of this, the government has formulated the Cyber Security Bill.

"This bill aims to defend the country's critical infrastructure, including data centres, hospitals, banking and communication systems. All of these are very important security assets for the country," Teo, who is also Kulai MP told reporters after hosting an iftar event in her constituency here on Sunday.

Teo also urged the public to remain calm and to continue to trust and have confidence in national security agencies, including the Ministry of Defence and the National Security Council, regarding these cyber threats.

"They are among the agencies that can protect sensitive data and information involving national security," said Teo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kulai.

Last Saturday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin reportedly said that the country's defence system is subjected to about 3,000 cyber attacks every day, especially after Malaysia declared its support for Palestine.

The Dewan Rakyat last Tuesday passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024 aimed at enhancing the country's cyber security through compliance with specific measures, standards, and processes in managing cyber security threats.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo was reported to have said that according to the bill, there are 11 sectors defined as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) sectors, including government, banking and finance, transportation, defence and national security, as well as information, communication, and digital sectors.

-- BERNAMA