By LYDIA NATHAN / Pic By TMR File

There is a lack of graduates in the cyber security field that needs to be addressed — especially in light of growing online security threats, said National ICT Association of Malaysia (Pikom).

Chairman Chin Chee Seong (picture) said the lack of graduates in this field is a global problem and not exclusive only in Malaysia, stressing that not many institutions provide suitable courses in the sector.

“We have been talking to government agencies like CyberSecurity Malaysia and will be looking into various other collaborations.

“We will also be speaking to academicians on how to promote cyber security education to get more students to enroll and graduate from this course,” he said at the launch of Pikom’s CyberSecurity Chapter (CC) yesterday.

According to the Global Cybersecurity Index, Malaysia ranks third — after the US and Singapore — in terms of readiness in tackling cyber security attacks.

CC chair Alex Liew said while Malaysia is safer in that sense, it is not an issue that should be taken lightly.

He added that greater awareness and stronger policies are needed as the present measures are not enough, hence the formation of the chapter.

“The chapter is a grouping of cyber security practitioners, or companies that will work together to fulfil many objectives,” he said.

Apart from raising awareness, it will be focusing on grouping more talent in the next year and will continue to expand according to the market and what is currently taking place around the world.

CC’s other objectives include promoting career prospects in infosecurity, and promote knowledge sharing and propagation of best practices via engagement across industry verticals.