Kuala Lumpur, Dec 9 – The communication and multimedia ministry will intensify efforts with local internet service providers to educate users on information security issues.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said significant steps had been taken to monitor and respond to cyber threats, including the collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in exchanging ideas on that matter.
He said with the monthly average of approximately 900 reported incidents over the last eight months, the number of data breaches in the country was projected to exceed the 10,000 mark by year-end, as compared to approximately 9,900 recorded last year.
“The global environment today, is far more connected and complex than ever before and increased connectivity has brought about benefits for businesses and individuals.
“Both businesses and internet users are faced with increasingly sophisticated cyber threats such as phishing, botnets, spyware and adware that had caused concern to everyone to protect data and financial information online,” he said at the launch of the 3rd Annual Personal Data Protection conference here today.
His speech was read by his deputy, Datuk Jailani Johari.
Also present were Asian World Summit chairman Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas and Personal Data Protection Commisioner, Abu Hassan Ismail.
Adding that a strong partnership amongst people, private and public sectors was crucial in curbing cyber threats, Ahmad Shabery said the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) which was enforced last month was one of the ways to prevent the misuse of people’s personal data for commercial purpose.
“Consumers and users of both networked and non-networked environment will be more confident in using ICT applications in their daily lives which in turn, will drive more online activities and e-commerce through the enactment of this act,” he said.
With the enforcement of PDPA, all data users were required to take necessary steps to comply with the laws, including registering with the Personal Data Protection Department, he added.
– Bernama
