MCSS outlines 5 strategic pillars to be the guiding principles to improve the country’s cyber security management in the next 5 years

by RAHIMI YUNUS / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

MALAYSIA is allocating RM1.8 billion to execute the initiatives of the newly launched Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2020-2024.

The government also welcomes more specialist talents in the information and communications technology field to come forward and help the government fight against cyber crimes, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (picture) said, on behalf of Prime Minister (PM) Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The MCSS outlines five strategic pillars to be the guiding principles to improve the country’s cyber security management in the next five years.

The five pillars are to enhance the governance of the management of the country’s cyber security; to strengthen the existing laws and regulations as well as enforcement; to empower a world-class innovation and technology cyberspace, research and development by local industries; to enhance the capacity and capabilities of the experts besides promoting cyber security awareness in the community; and to strengthen international cooperation.

Under the first pillar, a Malaysian Cyber Security Committee will be formed and chaired by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The MCSS consists of 12 strategies, 35 action plans and 113 programmes encompassing various initiatives to safeguard the nation’s cyberspace.

“I would like to assure you that in all government-led digital initiatives, there are elements of cyber security in place to ease the worries of our investors with regard to safety concerns.

“The government is committed to ensuring a safe and secured cyber space by enhancing our cyber security capabilities on all fronts. The implementation of the MCSS will be pivotal to ensure this success,” Muhyiddin, whose speech was read by Saifuddin, said at the launch of the MCSS 2020-2024 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The PM said Malaysia will be exploring further bilateral and multilateral relationships in cyber security to overcome challenges in the field.

During the Movement Control Order, he said the National Cyber Control and Command Centre, or NC4, succeeded in detecting and containing several cyber attacks on certain agencies, including advanced persistent threat, ransomware and Zero-Day cyber attacks.