Latest news with #Nacsa


New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia-led Asean cybersecurity strategy to be finalised by year-end
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Cybersecurity Collaboration Strategy 2026–2030, led by Malaysia, is expected to be finalised by the end of this year. The initiative is part of a regional effort to strengthen digital defence and resilience. National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) chief executive officer Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the draft strategy would be deliberated during a series of forums and workshops in July, held in conjunction with the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (Cydes) 2025. He said the discussions, involving representatives from all 10 Asean member states, would focus on a five-year action plan centred around three core pillars: information sharing, joint technology development, and human capital growth. "All 10 Asean countries have pledged their support for the development of the Asean Cybersecurity Collaboration Strategy 2026–2030, which represents a joint effort among the member states. We have received strong backing from across the region. "The strategy will focus not only on information sharing but also on technology development, talent cultivation, and the exchange of expertise to address emerging cybersecurity threats. "One of the biggest challenges is the growing threat of ransomware and the transition to post-quantum cryptography. These are not just national issues - they are global in scope, and Asean must be ready," he told reporters at the closing ceremony of Cyber Games 2025 here today. Megat Zuhairy said the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy 2025–2030 would also be launched during the upcoming Cydes in July. He added that the strategy complements Malaysia's active participation in international cybersecurity frameworks, including its endorsement of the Budapest Convention. "Over the past two years, we have made significant strides in strengthening our cyber defence capabilities. "It began with the Cyber Security Act 2024, followed by the formulation of the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy, which is set to be launched this July. "This includes various talent development initiatives and Malaysia's alignment with international frameworks such as the Budapest Convention," he said. He said this reflects Malaysia's leadership in driving regional cybersecurity initiatives and underscores its ambition to become a regional cybersecurity hub. "All of this demonstrates the government's strong commitment to ensuring national cybersecurity readiness, as well as our leadership in expertise, technological advancement, innovation and overall cyber resilience." He also highlighted Malaysia's pivotal role as lead coordinator of the Asean Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert), which serves as a platform for intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to cyber incidents among Asean nations. "We are also collaborating with regional partners to develop homegrown cybersecurity products and solutions that leverage Asean's talent pool. It's not just about Malaysia, it's about building regional capabilities," he said. On talent development, he commended Malaysian participants in the Cydes-hosted Asean Cyber Games, where three Malaysians were part of the teams that secured first, second, and third places in the regional competition. "We believe cybersecurity is no longer a domain dominated solely by Western or more developed nations. Malaysia, too, has high-level expertise in this field. "This ensures that we are capable of defending ourselves, with cybersecurity driven by our own local talent and the people of Malaysia," he added.

The Star
20-05-2025
- The Star
Cyber Games 2025 kicks off in Kuala Lumpur
Fabian (2nd from right) looks on as National Security Council deputy director-general Datuk Baharuddin Ahmad (centre) presents a token of appreciation to the Head of the Cybercrime Division of the Council of Europe, Alexander Seger (right), at the Cyber Games 2025 opening ceremony today. Also present were Nacsa CEO Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin (2nd from left) and Interpol's Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, Dr. Neal Jetton (far left). — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The Cyber Games 2025 kicked off today following an opening ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together around 120 participants from 40 countries in competition to take on real-world cybersecurity challenges. Officiating the opening ceremony was Digital Ministry secretary-general Fabian Bigar, who gave a speech on Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo's behalf. "The decision to hold the very first edition of the Cyber Games here in Malaysia reflects the strong and growing partnership between Malaysia, the Council of Europe and Interpol. "It also reaffirms our shared vision: to foster resilience, cooperation, and innovation in the fight against cybercrime. "This event represents far more than a competition – it is a global platform for engagement, capacity building, and meaningful collaboration," he said. The Cyber Games 2025 is hosted by the Malaysia National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) and jointly organised with the Council of Europe and Interpol, taking place from today (May 20) until May 23. The event will also be followed by a series of regional editions in Europe and Africa. The secretary-general says that cyberthreats are growing in sophistications and are borderless, with Malaysia having seen a 78% surge in ransomware cases in Q4 of 2024 compared to the previous quarter. Among the stated goals of the inaugural Cyber Games 2025 is to act as a platform for experts, such as cyber incident investigators and digital forensics specialists, to deepen their understanding of cyber threats and how to more effectively combat them. It would also sharpen the practical skills of participants by testing how they handle simulated real-life situations like ransomware and cryptocurrency-related cybercrime as well as encourage the sharing of global expertise in cybersecurity and digital forensics, and strengthen international cooperation in tackling cyber threats. Fabian added that the Cyber Games lines up with the nation's strategic approach in combating cybercrime and strengthening cybersecurity policies, with Malaysia working towards implementing robust measures and legal frameworks to foster regional and international cooperation in combating cyber threats. "This includes our Cabinet's recent approval for accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, as well as our commitment to signing the forthcoming United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. "In parallel, we are currently drafting a new Cybercrime Bill that will further modernise and fortify our legal frameworks, which we expect to table in Parliament by the end of this year," he said. According to Nacsa chief executive officer Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, stakeholders have been engaged since last month to provide feedback on the first draft of the Cybercrime Bill. These stakeholders include the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, various telcos, and the Bar Council. The engagement sessions also aim to ensure that the proposed legislation does not negatively impact industry operations, with feedback carefully considered to strike a balance between effective enforcement and the needs of stakeholders. It was previously reported that the bill would be tabled in October this year.


The Star
19-05-2025
- The Star
Nacsa aware of alleged DBKL malware incident
NACSA and the National Security Council (MKN) are working closely with DBKL to coordinate recovery efforts and mitigation measures. — CHUA KOK HWA/The Star PETALING JAYA: The National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and National Security Council (MKN) are aware of a cybersecurity incident involving systems belonging to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). In a statement issued to LifestyleTech, a Nacsa spokesperson says that based on an earlier statement from DBKL, several of its online services are currently facing technical disruptions. Following checks conducted by Nacsa's National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre (NC4), the incident is believed to be the result of a malware infection, though no ransom demands have reportedly been made so far. The spokesperson adds that the incident did not affect the DBKL Core System (DCoS) and Sistem Penilaian dan Pengurusan Harta (SPPH). Nacsa and MKN are working closely with DBKL to coordinate recovery efforts and mitigation measures. Further monitoring activities will be conducted to ensure the affected systems are operating securely. DBKL yesterday (May 18) issued a statement via its Facebook page, saying that access to its services has been gradually restored since May 1 and is expected to be fully recovered by May 23. It also says that the DBKL e-licensing system, e-Perumahan, Adu@KL, Tempah@KL, and the Epayment Integrated Centre (EPIC) will be fully restored and accessible from tomorrow (May 20).