Latest news with #NationalCyberSecurityAgency

Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Thai cyber war room on alert for border-related attacks
Thai authorities have established a 24-hour war room to monitor and respond to potential cyberattacks and other online misbehaviour arising from the conflict along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has found evidence of attempts by hackers to launch cyberattacks on Thailand through distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks targeting government websites, minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said on Saturday. The ministry is working with the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) to prevent any attempts to hack government websites. So far, no damage has been reported, said Mr Prasert, also a deputy prime minister. 'A 24-hour war room has been set up to closely monitor cybercrime attacks, both on the physical and cyber fronts. So far, the attacks have been contained, and the situation remains under control,' said Mr Prasert. He also warned of a growing campaign of disinformation, allegedly originating from Cambodian sources. However, AI-created deepfakes, hate speech and other forms of bad online behaviour are not limited to one country. 'We are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance of cyber warfare activities, both in real-time and in the digital domain,' said the minister. 'There have also been efforts to spread disinformation, such as false claims about a Thai F-16 being shot down or Cambodian forces reclaiming ancient temples from Thailand. These reports are untrue,' he said. The DE Ministry is actively countering false narratives by issuing clarifications and blocking the spread of disinformation across digital platforms. 'We are committed to ensuring the Thai public has access to accurate information,' said the minister.


The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia faces rising cyber threats as incidents increase
Malaysia is experiencing a more sophisticated and aggressive wave of cyber threats, with 2,366 incidents reported in the first half of 2025, says the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa). Nacsa's chief executive Ir Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin, said cyberattacks are no longer solely targeting critical infrastructure or institutions. 'These attacks increasingly target our most vulnerable population, including children, the elderly, and digitally inexperienced users,' he said during his keynote address at the Cybersecurity Summit 2025 on Friday (July 25). Organised by Star Media Group and supported by IDMeta as the bronze sponsor, the summit carried the theme 'Securing Malaysia's Digital Future.' Megat said in 2024, Nacsa's National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre (NC4) recorded 4,626 cybersecurity incidents, a 43% increase from the previous year. 'In the first half of 2025 alone, 2,366 incidents involving National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) were reported. 'These figures underscore the urgent need to strengthen national cyber hygiene and awareness,' Megat added. He said cybersecurity is a critical national priority and should no longer be seen as merely a technical issue. 'Today's cyber threats don't simply target systems and software. They exploit something far more human, our trust, our habits, and the gaps between institutions,' Megat said. CyberSecurity Malaysia's chief executive officer, Datuk Ts Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab, joined the call for stronger safeguards, warning that digitalisation and emerging technologies, while transformative, also introduce new vulnerabilities. 'The more connected we are, the more exposed we become to the threat of cyber attacks,' he said. Amirudin emphasised the need for organisations to go beyond prevention and focus on cyber resilience, which is the ability to respond, recover, and resume operations swiftly after an attack. He also highlighted the importance of building a secure, resilient, and trusted cyber ecosystem through greater collaboration among regulators, industry players, academia, and international stakeholders. Sarbnedhan Singh Sandhu of the Securities Commission Malaysia warned that compliance alone doesn't ensure security. He stressed the need for well-enforced frameworks aligned to business risks, noting that weak controls often lead to breaches. Meanwhile, Securemetric Technology Sdn Bhd managing director Wo Swee Teck said generative artificial intelligence (AI) introduces serious risks. He noted that effective risk mitigation depends on implementing strong cybersecurity measures, enforcing strict privacy safeguards, and ensuring continuous validation of AI models. The one-day event gathered industry experts to address the country's most pressing cybersecurity concerns, including the emerging risks of generative AI, vulnerabilities in operational technology (OT) systems, talent shortages, and the growing importance of digital trust in a hyperconnected world. The summit also showcased actionable strategies, regulatory frameworks, and real-world case studies aimed at enhancing cyber resilience across all sectors. This year's edition featured more than 19 distinguished speakers and attracted over 80 participants, including C-level executives, IT security professionals, regulators, cybercrime investigators, and representatives from sectors such as telecommunications, finance, logistics, and technology startups. Looking ahead, the CloudTech & DataCentre Conference 2.0, scheduled for Aug 6–7, will further explore strategies to position Malaysia as a regional hub for sustainable, high-tech data centres while advancing digital resilience.


Qatar Tribune
24-07-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Ooredoo engages students at CyberSecurity Youth Summer Camp 2025
Tribune News Network Doha Ooredoo, Qatar's leading telecommunications provider, has supported 200 students aged 13 to 17 years from public and private schools across the country, as part of its participation in the 2025 Cyber Security Youth Summer Camp. The initiative is co-organised with the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Ministry of Sports and Youth. Now in its second edition, the camp stands as one of the key national initiatives under the National Cyber Security Academy. It aims to equip students with essential cybersecurity knowledge through a dynamic programme of interactive lectures, technical workshops, and field visits led by certified experts. Ooredoo recently concluded its participation in the camp, during which 200 students took part in dedicated sessions offering a first-hand look at the company's cybersecurity operations and its role in safeguarding Qatar's critical digital infrastructure through advanced technologies, proactive threat detection, and continuous innovation. Sabah Rabiah Al Kuwari, senior director marketing communications at Ooredoo Qatar, commented: 'Empowering young minds with the skills and knowledge to protect our digital future is a responsibility we proudly embrace. Our participation in the Cyber Security Youth Summer Camp reflects Ooredoo's commitment to strengthening national digital resilience and nurturing local talent. By taking part in this camp, we are not only raising awareness, but actively contributing to Qatar's long-term cyber security strategy.' Through this initiative, Ooredoo reaffirms its dedication to supporting youth development, advancing digital literacy, and contributing to a secure and innovative digital society in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.


New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Gobind: Malaysia must act now to plug cybersecurity gaps
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must urgently address gaps in policy, tools, talent, and cross-border enforcement to strengthen its cybersecurity resilience and manage varying levels of readiness across organisations and nations, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said. He said the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, with daily life now deeply tied to digital platforms such as communication, shopping, and accessing public services. He added that for digital transformation to truly flourish, trust is a fundamental element that cannot be overlooked. "Digital trust is the unwavering confidence we place in our digital systems, technologies, and transactions," he said in his speech at the Asean 5G and OT Security Summit (5GOT) 2025 here today. "We believe they are secure, private, and reliable. It is the invisible yet powerful force that underpins our digital interactions. However, many have taken our systems, technologies, and transactions for granted." Gobind said society's growing reliance on conducting transactions online has encouraged bad actors to exploit this digital presence. He highlighted an alarming surge in cyberattacks affecting all layers of society, from individuals to organisations, across sectors and sizes. "We read and hear about Malaysians falling victim to online scams, fake investment schemes, and phishing attacks. "According to CyberSecurity Malaysia, there were more than 6,000 reported cyber incidents in 2024, mainly involving fraud, intrusions, and malicious codes. "Malaysia incurred over RM1.22 billion in financial losses due to cybercrime over the past year. "But such incidents are not unique to Malaysia. The world faces this massive threat as well, resulting in trillions of dollars in losses annually," he said. Gobind also said the consequences of cyberattacks go far beyond financial losses, as they damage reputations, compromise privacy, destroy property, eliminate opportunities, and in some cases, even endanger lives. He added that attacks on operational technology, which powers automation in factories, manages patient care in hospitals, and runs critical infrastructure such as energy grids and water treatment facilities, are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated threat actors. Nevertheless, Gobind said Malaysia has taken decisive steps to strengthen its cybersecurity landscape over the past years. He highlighted that the Cyber Security Act 2024, which came into force on Aug 26 last year, empowers the National Cyber Security Agency to oversee compliance, coordinate across sectors, and protect the country's National Critical Information Infrastructures. He also said a new Cybercrime Bill, set to be tabled in Parliament this October, aims to replace outdated legislation and equip authorities with the tools needed to combat modern cyber threats effectively. Furthermore, Gobind said Malaysia is expanding its global footprint, noting that the Cabinet has approved accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. "The country is also preparing to sign the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi this October. "These actions reflect Malaysia's commitment to international norms and collaborative efforts in addressing cybercrime. "As such, platforms such as 5GOT must be leveraged to accelerate progress through expert engagement, knowledge sharing, collaboration, and exposure to emerging technologies," he said. Gobind also said the government aims to build a regional cyber ecosystem through public-private partnerships that foster innovation and talent development. He added that the government hopes to raise awareness and a sense of urgency among key stakeholders in securing the country's digital future.


Qatar Tribune
13-07-2025
- Qatar Tribune
NCSA opens summer camp to equip youngsters with cybersecurity skills
Tribune News Network Doha The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA), through its National Cyber Security Academy, on Sunday announced the launch of the second edition of the Cyber Security Youth Summer Camp 2025. The camp will run until August 8, 2025 in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and the Ministry of Sports and Youth. The camp is one of the key national initiatives under the National Cyber Security Academy. It aims to identify and empower talented youth aged 13 to 17, equipping them with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity through a comprehensive and educational experience. This year's camp will host approximately 400 students. Speaking on the occasion, Dalal Al Aqeedi, assistant director of Cyber security Policies and Strategies Department, said: 'This camp reflects the vision of theNational Cyber Security Agency to attract and empower a new generation of skilled individuals capable of protecting our digital space and strengthening our national cyber security capabilities.' She added, 'This initiative is part of a boarder strategy to enhance digital awareness and cultivate a cybersecurity culture across society, especially among the youth, to ensure that the future generations are well equipped to face cyber challenges with confidence and competence.' Fawaz Al Musaifri, director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, stressed the importance of cooperation with the National Cyber Security Agency in organising such qualitative initiatives, which directly contribute to achieving the ministry's strategy to empower youth, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Youth Policy, especially in the areas of youth, education and information technology, and social media. The camp targets students from both public and private schools in Qatar, in two batches. Activities will be held at Qatar Secondary School for Science and Technology for Boys, with each batch attending for 10 days. Participants will take part in a dynamic programme that includes theoretical lectures, practical training, and interactive workshops, in addition to educational field trips, all under the supervision of certified cybersecurity experts. The National Cyber Security Academy will award participants with accredited attendance and professional certificates, such as the eJPT, while also providing career guidance and support forfuture technical pathways.