Latest news with #NACSA
Barnama
01-08-2025
- Business
- Barnama
NACSA Finalising Malaysia's Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2030 -- Digital Ministry
NACSA Finalising Malaysia's Cybersecurity Strategy 2025-2030 -- Digital Ministry KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- The National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) is finalising Malaysia's Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2025–2030 as a continuation of the MCSS 2020–2024, said the Ministry of Digital. The ministry said the MCSS will involve three key stakeholders: the government, businesses and the community. 'It also takes into account emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and all related cybersecurity threats to ensure comprehensive protection of the country's digital ecosystem,' it posted on the Parliament's website. The Digital Ministry was responding to Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (BN-Sembrong) on national data security and sovereignty concerns regarding transparency in the training of artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as DeepSeek and the use of Huawei chips. The ministry added that it is also taking proactive steps to establish an AI security committee to review technical aspects and ensure compliance with security and ethical standards, including assessments of foreign technology. 'This committee will consist of experts from various fields in both the public and private sectors to strengthen governance and ensure that the development and use of AI in Malaysia remain safe, responsible, and aligned with national principles,' it said. Meanwhile, responding to a question from Muhammad Ismi Mat Taib (PN-Parit) regarding the progress of 5G coverage, the Ministry of Digital said that Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) has developed the 5G network to reach 82.4 per cent coverage in populated areas (COPA), with a total of 7,489 5G sites as of June 30, 2025. Additionally, the ministry said the country's 5G penetration rate reached 80.4 per cent, with approximately 27.4 million active subscribers as of May 2025, further solidifying the country's position as a regional leader in digital connectivity and communication technology transformation. -- BERNAMA
New Straits Times
27-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Empowering Malaysians through trust in MyDigital ID
IN an age of rising digital scams and identity theft, Malaysia's push for a national digital identity system — MyDigital ID — could not be more timely. But for it to succeed, it must be built on trust, transparency, and voluntary adoption. MyDigital ID is not just another login. It is a digital trust anchor — a secure way to verify who you are online, whether you are renewing a licence, paying traffic summons, or registering a SIM card. And it is backed by the same authority that issues your MyKad — the National Registration Department (NRD). When onboard, your identity is cross-checked against NRD's database. No data is stored, no profiling is done, and no centralised tracking exists. It simply confirms that you are you — nothing more, nothing less. Digital identity without cybersecurity is a risk. That is why NACSA (National Cyber Security Agency) has been entrusted to oversee the MyDigital ID initiative. Our role is to ensure the system is resilient and built with public safety in mind. We are also preparing legal safeguards. The upcoming Cybercrime Bill, expected to be tabled in Parliament this December, will criminalise the misuse of digital identities — making impersonation and exploitation prosecutable offences. But cybersecurity is not just about infrastructure. It is about culture. Malaysians must understand how to protect themselves online — and MyDigital ID is a key part of that journey. Online scams are often powered by stolen passwords, fake profiles, and untraceable mobile numbers. MyDigital ID helps stop them by verifying your identity across three layers — a method inspired by multi-factor authentication: * Who you are: fingerprint or facial recognition; * What you know: your password; and, * What you have: your registered device or app It is like having three locks on your digital front door — your fingerprint, your password, and your trusted device. Only when all three line up do you get access. This makes impersonation far harder for scammers and helps prevent unauthorised access to your online accounts. It also plays a crucial role in SIM card registration. Scammers often use mobile numbers tied to fake or stolen identities to impersonate others and commit fraud. By linking SIM registration to MyDigital ID: * Only verified individuals can activate phone numbers, and * Impersonation via mobile becomes significantly harder. When every SIM card is tied to a verified digital identity, impersonation becomes much harder — and accountability becomes possible. So far, 35 government apps and 7 non-government platforms have integrated MyDigital ID — including MyJPJ, MyBayar, MySejahtera and MyTNB. In addition, 17 more applications are currently undergoing integration, and by year's end, we expect to surpass 100 integrated apps. Even the financial sector is preparing. Bank Negara Malaysia is leveraging its Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox to explore secure integration of MyDigital ID within banking institutions, with a rollout targeted for 2026. As more services come onboard, the value of MyDigital ID becomes clearer. That is why voluntary adoption — driven by relevance and understanding — is the right path forward. Mandates may be discussed in policy circles, but from a cybersecurity standpoint, empowerment and education are far more effective. Mandating may not be suitable for now. Countries like Singapore and Saudi Arabia have shown that success comes from integration, not compulsion. Malaysia is on the right track — prioritising security, usability, and legal safeguards. MyDigital ID is a powerful tool. But its strength lies in its ability to build trust, not enforce compliance. As we expand its reach, let's focus on transparency, usefulness, and empowering Malaysians to take control of their digital lives — securely and confidently.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cybersecurity Summit 2025 to tackle digital threats
INDUSTRY leaders, policymakers, and IT and business professionals are invited to attend the Cybersecurity Summit 2025, taking place on July 24 at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre. This one‑day conference is dedicated to exploring the critical challenges and opportunities in safeguarding Malaysia's digital economy. Under the theme 'Securing Malaysia's Digital Future', the summit will bring together senior government officials, industry experts and business stakeholders to examine emerging cyber threats, evolving compliance frameworks and the role of cutting‑edge technologies such as AI in strengthening cybersecurity resilience. Through a mix of keynote presentations, real‑world case studies and interactive panel discussions, attendees will gain practical insights and strategies tailored for organisations of all sizes, underscoring Malaysia's commitment to a secure and innovative digital landscape. The keynote address will be presented by Ir Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA). Dr Megat has been serving the Malaysian government since 1997 and has vast experience as an engineer in the ICT and telecommunication fields. In the past 26 years, Dr Megat has been actively developing and implementing policy and strategic plans for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) agenda as well as building human capital capacity in innovation and knowledge management. Among other the featured speakers is Dato' Ts Dr Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, chief executive officer of CyberSecurity Malaysia. With over 30 years of ICT experience spanning public and private sectors, Dr Amirudin has driven numerous national cybersecurity initiatives and chaired both local and international platforms. In October 2024, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, appointed him to the National Anti‑Financial Crime Centre Advisory Board. Sarbnedhan Sandhu, general manager of Technology Supervision at Securities Commission Malaysia, will explore how organisations can bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and real‑world defence. Drawing on supervisory assessments and local case studies, his session will unpack why these gaps persist and offer actionable steps to operationalise security controls in alignment with Malaysia's national cybersecurity priorities. Sarbnedhan is a seasoned technology and cybersecurity professional with over two decades of experience. As general manager at the Securities Commission Malaysia, he plays a key role in driving the technology and cybersecurity agenda across the capital market industry. From Hong Kong, Dr Darron Sun, head of Information Technology at the Hong Kong Housing Society, will present 'Safeguarding Tomorrow's Landscape: Generative AI Risk Mitigation and Governance Frameworks.' A World CIO 200 Global Champion (2024), Dr Sun brings extensive expertise in IT management, fintech, proptech, cybersecurity and internal audit. He will share proven approaches for embedding governance and controls into AI‑driven systems, ensuring both innovation and security. Moderating the panel discussion on 'Digital Trust & Resilience: Strengthening Cyber Confidence in Malaysia' is Jaco Benadie, Partner, Technology Consulting – Cyber in Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd. As the leader of EY ASEAN's OT Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Jaco is renowned for his commitment to excellence and his innovative approach to advancing cybersecurity measures. He is widely recognised as a leading authority in the energy sector's cybersecurity, ensuring that key industry players maintain secure and resilient operations. The summit's full line-up features thought leaders across government, finance, technology and critical infrastructure – each offering unique perspectives on threat intelligence, digital trust, governance and more. Participants will also enjoy dedicated networking sessions, enabling collaboration with peers and solution providers. The Cybersecurity Summit 2025 is fully HRD Corp‑claimable, with group rates starting at RM888 and standard registration at RM1,199. Don't miss this opportunity to equip your organisation with the insights and connections needed to secure Malaysia's digital future. Visit to register today.
The Sun
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia's CYDES 2025 boosts regional cybersecurity collaboration
PUTRAJAYA: The Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2025 has reinforced Malaysia's position as a growing cybersecurity hub, drawing international participation and strategic partnerships to enhance digital resilience. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar stated that the event marked a key step in Malaysia's cyber-resilience journey, attracting over 11,000 attendees, 304 exhibitors, and representatives from 27 countries. 'This year's participation exceeded expectations, solidifying CYDES as a premier platform for innovation and global cooperation,' he said. Key discussions included the 3rd Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy Forum and ASEAN Cyber Security Forum, where experts addressed emerging threats and shared best practices. High-level dialogues, such as the ASEAN Cyber Leaders Roundtable and ASEAN-Australia Cyber Policy Dialogue, strengthened regional policy coordination. Notable achievements included NACSA's six MoUs with higher education institutions to boost cybersecurity talent development. Industry-driven B2B and B2G sessions also facilitated partnerships between vendors and critical infrastructure operators. Initiatives like ASEAN My Cyber Hero 2025 engaged 13,128 students and teachers, promoting cybersecurity awareness among youth. Shamsul Azri emphasized CYDES 2025's role in advancing technical capacity, policy dialogue, and public-private collaboration. Organized by the National Security Council and NACSA, the three-day event, themed 'Advancing Cyber Resilience', concluded with strengthened commitments to a secure digital future. - Bernama
The Sun
30-05-2025
- The Sun
NACSA, Kaspersky release Malay online safety book for kids
PETALING JAYA: In an effort to raise online safety awareness among children, the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), in collaboration with global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, today launched the Malay-language edition of the book Midori Kuma and a Very Special Race. NACSA chief executive Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the translation marks a significant step in cultivating cybersecurity awareness from an early age, in line with efforts to educate a digital-native generation increasingly exposed to online risks. 'Statistics show that nearly 60 to 70 percent of children today spend more than three hours online daily. This increases their vulnerability to threats such as online grooming, which is becoming a growing concern in our country. 'For instance, in online games, children may unknowingly engage with individuals they believe to be peers, when in fact they may be impersonators with malicious intent seeking to obtain personal information such as location, passwords and more,' he said. Dr Megat Zuhairy was speaking at the launch of Midori Kuma dan Perlumbaan Yang Sangat Istimewa, the Malay-language version of the children's educational book, at the Petaling Jaya Community Library today. Also present at the event were Kaspersky's head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Asia Pacific, Heng Lee; Petaling Jaya City Council legal officer, Mohd Yusof Che Aziz; and Petaling Jaya Community Library senior assistant director II (Knowledge Resources) Zainal Abidin Rahim. Megat Zuhairy said the storytelling approach used in Midori Kuma helps convey cybersecurity messages in a way that is accessible and effective not only for children but also for parents, teachers and the wider community. Meanwhile, Heng Lee said the book is more than just a children's title; it forms part of a broader Kaspersky-led initiative across the region to equip children with the knowledge they need to grow up in a safe, informed and resilient digital environment. 'Children today are growing up as digital natives, instinctively curious and constantly connected. They need the right guidance to navigate this universe of possibilities,' he said. He also cited Kaspersky's Digital Habits Report, which found that 61 percent of children receive their first digital device between the ages of eight and 12, while 11 percent are introduced to such devices even earlier. Heng added that the data highlights the importance of building healthy digital habits from a young age, and this book provides a simple yet meaningful way for parents and children to learn about online safety together.
