The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will collaborate with central agencies to formulate a new structure for the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division (DCED) of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
Deputy Minister Adly Zahari said such an approach would enable the MAF to align with regional and global defence cyber organisations in line with the Defence White Paper that underscores the need to establish a dedicated organisation to handle the cyber domain.
“Building robust cyber security measures and fostering cyber security awareness is critical. Without them, incidents such as data breaches to disruptions of critical infrastructure will erode the integrity and credibility of our defence mechanism.
“This could create uncertainty among investors and citizens especially since today's battlefront extends beyond land, sea and air to include the cyber world,” he said in his opening remarks at Siber Siaga 2023 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, here today.
On Siber Siaga 2023, Adly said it seeks to expand cooperation and reinforce cross-sector collaboration among government agencies, industry players, academia and the cyber community.
Adly said the modern digital battlefield is a complex environment that requires constant adjustment and the use of emerging cyber technologies to achieve military objectives while minimizing undesired effects.
“Siber Siaga 2023 creates a platform that will support in enabling a foundation for a comprehensive and inclusive collaboration among sectors, and ideally contribute to the concept of Comprehensive Defence, one of the strategic pillars of Malaysia's Defence Strategy,” he said.
Also present were Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Affendi Buang, Chairman of Perbadanan Hal Ehwal Bekas Angkatan Tentera (PERHEBAT) General (R) Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Director of DCED Rear Admiral Datuk Shamsuddin Ludin.
Meanwhile, Shamsuddin said Siber Siaga 2023 has created a platform for ASEAN cybersecurity leaders to exchange ideas towards expanding the cybersecurity agenda.
“This historic meeting has also opened a space for cooperation in forming an ASEAN cyber community. Several agreements have also been reached in developing cyber capabilities among ASEAN member countries,” he said.
Siber Siaga 2023 and CyberDSA 2023 which were held from yesterday until tomorrow, have attracted the participation of 70 companies, 1,100 professional members, 18 local universities and government agencies.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency