Fahmi calls for collective action to raise cybersecurity awareness

KUALA LUMPUR - Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, has called on all parties to raise awareness of the dangers of cyber threats.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Cyber Digital Services, Defence & Security Asia 2023 (Cyber DSA) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Fahmi said that the Malaysian government is committed to upholding best industry practices and advancing the global cybersecurity agenda.

However, he said that this cannot be achieved alone.

"To tackle the daunting challenges and achieve global cybersecurity goals, we all need to work together," said Fahmi.

He called for increased cybersecurity awareness in communities, through legislation that promotes cyber hygiene practices such as frequent software updates, strong passwords, and multi-factor authentication.

Fahmi also highlighted the work that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), CyberSecurity Malaysia, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF) have been doing to educate Malaysians on online safety and privacy.

He said that the Communications and Digital Ministry will continue to be the leader of the country's digital ecosystem, which includes three major components: Creating the country's digital infrastructure through MCMC Digital Infrastructure and Telcos/ISPs collaboration, operating CyberSecurity Malaysia as the expert agency and national cybersecurity reference center for digital security and data protection and enforcing the Personal Data Protection Act through the Department of Personal Data Protection.

Fahmi also announced the official launch of Cyber DSA 2023, which will take place from 15 to 17 Aug at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Cyber DSA is a regional content-driven event that aims to be the leading cyber defense and security event in the region.

The event will feature over 5,000 visitors, 50 VIP delegations, and over 100 exhibitors.