by ANIS HAZIM 

CISCO Systems Malaysia and CyberSecurity Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (KKMM) to further strengthen Malaysia’s cybersecurity capabilities.

The MoU will allow the establishment of cooperation in research, development and the sharing of information and knowledge between Cisco and CyberSecurity Malaysia.

Minister of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah said that he is pleased to partner with Cisco as it is a world-class leader in cybersecurity.

“Together with CyberSecurity Malaysia, our country can leverage Cisco’s proven technology, processes and expertise. The MoU complements our strategic efforts in advancing cybersecurity capabilities and capacity as we prepare Malaysia for a trusted, secure and resilient digital economy,” Saifuddin said during the virtual MoU signing ceremony.

Some of the initiatives include enhancing global threat intelligence, improving knowledge sharing, as well as contributing to the upskilling and development of Malaysia’s cybersecurity workforce.

Cisco Malaysia MD Hana Raja said that Cisco is committed to support Malaysia’s digital journey and various facets of digitization, including cybersecurity.

“The MoU reaffirms Cisco’s long-term commitment to Malaysia, enabling a secure digital ecosystem where economic growth and social inclusion opportunities can be unlocked with greater confidence. 

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with CyberSecurity Malaysia and the Malaysian government to provide our expertise in this area,” Hana said.

Over the years, Malaysia has recognised the importance of cybersecurity and took proactive steps to strengthen its cybersecurity ecosystem through the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2020-2024 (MCSS).

CyberSecurity Malaysia CEO Dato Ts Dr Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab said that this cooperation embodies the government’s progressive approach to cybersecurity and vital steps to enhance the nation’s capabilities and readiness.

“It will see the possibility of CyberSecurity Malaysia tapping into Cisco’s expertise to extend cybersecurity threat research through information sharing and providing customized intelligence on cyber threats and incidents,” Amirudin said.

According to him, cyber threat intelligence sharing provides a better understanding and situational awareness of the threat landscape, which is increasingly borderless and advancing in speed, scale and sophistication.

It is also a collaborative framework that involves governments and the private sector to respond to emerging threats and enhance skills by leveraging the experience and expertise of a broader global ecosystem.