KUALA LUMPUR: CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) is spearheading efforts to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem, with a focus on enhancing cybersecurity standards throughout the country.

Led by CEO Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Bin Abdul Wahab the initiative aims to foster closer collaboration among the public sector, private enterprises, and academic institutions – collectively referred to as ‘PPA’ – to counteract increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

“The collaborative effort is crucial in our nation’s ongoing battle against the evolving landscape of cyber threats,” said Dr. Amirudin, underlining the significance of a unified approach in further enhancing Malaysia’s cyber defences,” said Dr. Amirudin [centre right in main pic with LGMS Executive Director Fong Choong Fook (centre left), and CSM Head of Cyber Solution Mohammad Fahdzli (far right) and Cyber Security Industry Engagement & Collaboration Senior Executive, Mohd Rahmad Mohd Kadim].

Dr. Amirudin, who is also actively involved with the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN), is seeking to bridge the gap between academic research and the practical needs of the cybersecurity industry.

“By integrating real-world industry challenges into the academic curriculum, the initiative aims to prepare students with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for the cybersecurity workforce,” he added.

 Dr. Amirudin’s engagement extends to his role in the Industrial Advisory Council of the Polytechnic and Community Colleges Department (JPPKK) under the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), where he intends to leverage his position to enhance cybersecurity standards among graduates. This involvement is part of a broader strategy to align educational outcomes with industry requirements, thus improving graduate employability in the cybersecurity sector.

Highlighting a particular concern for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Dr. Amirudin pointed out the lack of cybersecurity awareness within this segment.

“SMEs often overlook the importance of cybersecurity until they are affected by an incident, not realising the potentially devastating impact on their business.”

To address this, CyberSecurity Malaysia plans to launch awareness training programmes specifically tailored for SMEs, encouraging them to adopt basic cybersecurity measures, such as avoiding pirated software.

 Dr. Amirudin was speaking after an industry discussion at LGMS Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading cybersecurity groups.

LGMS is working with CyberSecurity Malaysia to ensure the success of its upcoming launch of the StarSentry cybersecurity platform. The company is set to introduce the ‘plug and play’ StarSentry device in mid-2024.

Recognised as the ‘Cybersecurity Product Innovation of the Year’ at the Malaysia Cybersecurity Awards 2023, StarSentry’s value proposition is its ability to simplify cybersecurity for SMEs by providing comprehensive asset discovery and vulnerability scanning capabilities.

LGMS Executive Chairman Fong Choong Fook said that the SME sector is particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

“In an era where digital threats are becoming more prevalent, it is imperative for SMEs to prioritise cybersecurity. Unfortunately, complexity and cost often deter them from implementing effective measures,” said Fong.

He added that the introduction of StarSentry serves as a game-changer for SMEs due to its cost-effectiveness and user-friendly features.

“StarSentry embodies the ideal solution for SMEs, offering a straightforward, ‘plug and play’ approach to cybersecurity. This innovation allows SMEs to easily monitor their digital environments, ensuring they can focus on their core business without the constant fear of cyber threats.”

Dr. Amirudin said that this initiative reflects a concerted effort by CyberSecurity Malaysia and local companies to mitigate cyber threats and enhance the digital security landscape for businesses and the nation.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Senior Vice President Gopi Ganesalingam said that close PPA collaboration would ensure that Malaysia continues to be at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and defence. "

“The synergy between public and private sectors, along with academia, is pivotal for advancing our cybersecurity capabilities,” said Gopi. “By harnessing the collective expertise and resources of these sectors, we can create a more resilient digital ecosystem that also fosters a ‘culture of innovation’ among Malaysians and shared responsibility in cybersecurity.”

He added that such collaboration would continue driving the Digital Economy forward, ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive and secure in the global digital landscape.

Dr. Amirudin concluded: “Through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions and targeted education and awareness programmes, CyberSecurity Malaysia aims to continue nurturing a resilient and secure cyberspace for all Malaysians.”

This article is provided by AL-SGM Consulting

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.