KUALA LUMPUR:Cybersecurity threats are being continuously monitored and kept under check in Malaysia, so there is no need for the public to feel anxious over the matter, says CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab.
He said, however, all Internet users should take responsibility for protecting themselves and increase their awareness about such threats.
"CSM offers various cybersecurity services in the 'responsive' and 'preventive' context to prevent data leakage and protect data security through the strengthening of ICT security systems.
"This is to help strengthen or protect data security. At CSM, we also have a Cyber999 Help Centre where in the event an incident occurs, users can report to us via email at [email protected] or by calling 1-300-88-2999," he said, adding that CSM also works closely with the Department of Personal Data Protection in the context of protecting the people’s data.
He said this during a live programme with Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah discussing cyber threats, which was streamed on the Communications and Multimedia Ministry’s (KKMM) Facebook Live, and broadcast on RTM’s TV1 as well as Bernama TV, last night.
Hacker activist group Anonymous Malaysia recently threatened to hack government websites in a 55-second video clip that went viral on social media, and claimed that the Malaysian security system was low, and this could allow hackers to gain access to users’ personal data and sell it online.
On Jan 29, the group posted another 3-minute-17-second video, claiming that scammers had been cheating the public via email, phone calls and social media since 2015 following a data breach.
Meanwhile, Intellize Tech Services chief strategy officer Dr Kavita Muthy said cyber threats could be as, or even more serious than the COVID-19 pandemic, as it could also lead to people losing their lives and businesses, besides impacting the economy.
This includes cyberbullying, which is very unethical because previously, bullying maybe occurred on school grounds, but now, it happens in the cyber world, and it revolves around emotions, with the intention to take revenge or hurt others, or give a negative impact on the individual involved," she said.
The other two panellists in the programme were Digi Telecommunications Sustainability Division chief Philip Ling, and Branden Carl Murray, the best presenter of the 2019 National ICT Security Discourse.
Earlier, Saifuddin said the theme for the Safer Internet Day celebration in Malaysia on Feb 9 is 'Cyber Ethics', adding that people were now online for about five to 12 hours a day on average.
Safer Internet Day is organised in February of each year to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones by children and young people across the world.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Feb 04 2021
All Internet users should take responsibility for protecting themselves and increase their awareness of such threats. REUTERS pic
Millions in Cuba still without power as major outage persists
Millions of Cubans remain without electricity because of a prolonged outage at the main power plants on the island, Anadolu Agency reported.
Surge in Gaza violence increases famine risk, monitor says
About 1.84 million people across the besieged Palestinian enclave are living through high levels of acute food insecurity.
Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
A drone was launched at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home.
Elon Musk promises to award $1 mil each day to a signer of his petition
He awarded a $1 million check to an attendee of his event in Pennsylvania aimed at rallying supporters behind Donald Trump.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Father of Malaysian Islamic banking, Abdul Halim Ismail passes away
His dedication and pioneering spirit played an important role in shaping the journey of Bank Islam as well as leaving a lasting impact on the development of Malaysia's Islamic finance industry.
Zayn Malik postpones US tour dates after One Direction bandmate Liam Payne's death
Payne, 31, died on Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, shocking fans of the boy band.
Why voters in a handful of swing states will decide the US presidential election
The contest will almost certainly be decided by just tens of thousands of voters a tiny fraction of the populace in a handful of states.
INSIGHT - Sudan's war risks 'lost generation' of children
A devastating crisis is unfolding in Sudan, where the most vulnerable members of society children are bearing the brunt of the violence.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.