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Malaysia’s Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo, has called for a heightened focus on building digital trust as the cornerstone for a secure, prosperous, and integrated digital economy. Minister Deo’s speech was delivered by Fabian Bigar, the ministry’s Secretary-General, who conveyed the importance of cybersecurity professionals in safeguarding Malaysia’s digital assets.
Minster Deo acknowledged that professionals’ expertise in identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating risks and responding to security incidents, is crucial for maintaining the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.
Addressing the evolving cyber threats, Minister Deo emphasised that strengthening digital trust is crucial for Malaysia to remain competitive globally and to create better opportunities for businesses and citizens.
Minister Deo acknowledged that enhancing digital trust aligns with the United Nations’ zero draft on the ‘Global Digital Compact’. This initiative aims to establish an inclusive, open, safe, and secure digital environment. According to the minister, a trustworthy digital landscape is essential for technology that protects, informs, and empowers enterprises, communities, and individuals alike.
“Digital trust is fundamental to enhancing security and resilience through collaborative efforts and shared threat intelligence,” said Gobind in the speech. “By tackling misinformation, safeguarding privacy, and fostering social cohesion, digital trust plays a vital role in creating a safer and more harmonious society.”
CyberSecurity Malaysia’s CEO, Datuk Dr. Amirudin Abdul Wahab, echoed the call for intensified collaboration within Malaysia’s digital ecosystem. He stressed the need for stakeholders to work together to maintain a robust cybersecurity infrastructure and uphold digital trust.
“By collaborating, we can build a resilient cyber ecosystem that not only defends against current cyber threats but also anticipates and mitigates future risks. This teamwork is essential for ensuring the security and stability of our increasingly digital society,” Dr. Amirudin said.
Dr Amirudin also revealed that CyberSecurity Malaysia is evaluating the current digital trust landscape in the country. The agency is examining various digital trust models to identify best practices, gaps, and potential areas for improvement. Based on these assessments, CyberSecurity Malaysia plans to develop a National Digital Trust Framework to guide Malaysia’s digital trust strategy and priorities.
The Malaysia Cyber Security Awards 2024 showcased the latest in cybersecurity and defence technologies and facilitated the exchange of cyber intelligence insights. This year’s awards received 52 nominations across ten categories.
Malaysia is at a pivotal point in its cybersecurity landscape, grappling with increasing threats as it embraces digital transformation across various sectors. To address these challenges, the Malaysian government has strengthened its cybersecurity framework with initiatives like the National Cyber Security Policy and the establishment of CyberSecurity Malaysia. Despite these measures, ongoing vigilance is crucial. These topics were explored in-depth at the 9th Annual Malaysia OpenGov Leadership Forum, which gathered stakeholders to discuss the latest cybersecurity advancements.
“Malaysia is experiencing rapid digital transformation across industries, necessitating heightened cybersecurity measures to safeguard critical assets and infrastructure,” Mohit Sagar, CEO and Editor-in-Chief was quoted.
The Zero Trust model, which requires continuous verification of users and devices, is gaining traction among IT executives and aligns with Malaysia’s proactive cybersecurity strategy. This approach reduces attack surfaces and mitigates risks by eliminating inherent trust. Additionally, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance security by identifying application segments, automating data classification, and streamlining Zero Trust access policies.
The complexities of implementing Zero Trust and AI, particularly in legacy systems, pose significant challenges. However, their effective adoption can bolster Malaysia’s defences against cyber threats.
As Malaysia continues to advance its digital infrastructure, the focus on digital trust remains pivotal to navigating the complexities of the modern cyber landscape and ensuring a secure digital future for all.
