INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION STRENGTHENS CYBERSECURITY'S ROLE

By Bashirah Bakar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- Issues relating to cyber security transcend national boundaries.

Therefore, tackling security issues relating to ICT even within the country
calls for international cooperation, noted CyberSecurity Malaysia's Chief
Executive Officer Lt Col (B) Husin Jazri.

CyberSecurity Malaysia is an agency under the Ministry of Science,
Technology and Innovation entrusted with the task of managing cyber security,
including safety in the Internet.

"The culture of sharing information with its counterpart overseas helps to
reduce cyber security problems," noted Husin during an interview with Bernama.

Husin pointed out that CyberSecurity Malaysia has established cooperation
with 71 nations including within the Asia Pacific region and the Organisation of
Islamic Conference (OIC).

CyberSecurity Malaysia has been appointed as the chairman of the OIC's
Computer Emergency Response Team, and the committee member for Asia-Pacific
Computer Response Team.

"The international cooperation denotes one of CyberSecurity Malaysia's
successes, and our role at the international stage is something to be proud
off," stated Husin.

ENSURING SECURITY OF THE CYBER WORLD

CyberSecurity Malaysia exchanges information with its foreign counterparts
on cyber threats and learns of their strategies in enhancing cyber security.

By adopting international best practices, for example in digital forensics
with the cooperation of South Korea, CyberSecurity Malaysia has extended its
network.

CyberSecurity also conforms to international standards in carrying out
studies at the international stage, said Husin.

Last December, a cyber drill `Latih Amal Krisis Siber X-MAYA2' organised by
CyberSecurity saw the participation of 16 nations from the Asia Pacific region.

Early this year CyberSecurity Malaysia inked a MoU with Morocco's Post,
Telecommunication and New Technology Department whereby both parties agreed to
cooperate in protecting the critical information infrastructure, developing
cyber security cooperation framework, develop competencies, conduct training and
create awareness.

According to Husin, international platforms like the European Cyber Crime
Convention provides an avenue to debate on cyber crimes.

"Taking part or organising international conference, workshop or seminar is
the best option for CyberSecurity Malaysia to update knowledge in current issues
of the cyber world," added Husin.

For example, on Feb 8 and 9 CyberSecurity Malaysia organised the Information
Security Professionals Network Forum in Kuala Lumpur with international
participants.

According to Husin, professionals from United Kingdom were invited to share
their knowledge on tools, trends, laws and strategies on cyber security issues
with cyber professionals in Malaysia.

EXPERTISE AND CHALLENGES

CyberSecurity Malaysia acts as the technical agency conducting analysis and
activities to protect the nation's cyberspace especially in terms of technology
and expertise.

For example, when the authorities need the advanced technical systems to
analyze digital evidence, CyberSecurity Malaysia plays a role in helping out.

CyberSecurity Malaysia also holds activities and training programmes for
Critical National Infrastructure to enhance the security of IT systems in the
public and private sector.

In carrying out its responsibility CyberSecurity Malaysia has to face
various challenges, noted Husin.

"This includes the difficulties in collecting evidence from overseas, that
is time consuming and calls for the evaluation of the host nation," he said.

According to Husin the capabilities of Malaysian enforcement agencies in
prosecuting cyber crimes has improved.

"Technical assistance from CyberSecurity helps enforcement," noted Husin.

ESTABLISHING A CONDUSIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

CyberSecurity Malaysia plays a vital role in establishing a safe and
conducive cyber environment to help boost economic growth.

The Implementation of the National Cyber Security Policy, for example,
directly and indirectly helps to change the ICT environment to a more positive
one.
"The cooperation between the public and private sector in tackling cyber
issues help generate economic activities. For example the local ICT industry
develops software and hardware in coming up with applications like biometric
access, MyKad reader, chip and other applications," said Husin.

As an agency established by the government, CyberSecurity Malaysia is
financed by the government to assist the industry in enhancing the quality of
ICT products with security features.

"CyberSecurity Malaysia provides the quality seal and recognition for the
security features for businesses and industry to help enhance quality and add
value to products and services that they provide overseas.

"Therefore local hardware and software developers have the opportunity to
sell the products overseas with their security features guaranteed," he said.

According to Husin, at present CyberSecurity Malaysia has established
cooperation with 17 foreign nations in providing benefits to entrepreneurs and
consumers by recognizing products of quality based on ICT.

THE RESULT OF COOPERATION

CyberSecurity Malaysia's biggest achievement according to Husin is ensuring
the security and well-being of the cyber realm, that not only benefits
Malaysians but also internet users worldwide.

"Through international cooperation, Malaysia could seek strategic partners
overseas in the event foreign hackers threaten the nation and vice-versa," he
said.

The latest, CyberSecurity Malaysia's contribution at the international stage
also covers free information at its website www.cybersafe.my
. The site provides tips on how to surf the internet
safely.

According to Husin, the public could also forward complaints and receive
information on the latest cyber threats at the CyberSecurity Malaysia's web site
(www.cybersecurity.my) or call the Cyber999 helpline that operates 24 hours
daily at cyber999@cybersecurity.my or call
1-300-88-2999.

-- BERNAMA