ISSN 2348-1196 (print) International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology Research ISSN 2348-120X (online) Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp: (19-28), Month: January - March 2021, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
Cybersecurity Strategies and Challenges in Malaysia Mohamed Asadullah 1, Prof. Dr. Mohd. Adam Bin Suhaimi2 1,2
Kulliyah of Information and Communication Technology, International Islamic University Malaysia Gombak, Malaysia
Abstract: This paper aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on cybersecurity challenges especially on the new normal of Covid-19 to overcome threats and mitigation controls taken by the Malaysian government. This is important to Malaysia’s cyberspace as secured, trusted, and resilient, fostering economic prosperity and citizens’ well-being. This is achieved by fortifying capabilities to predict, detect, deter, and respond to threats via structured governance, competent people, support best practices processes, and deploy effective technology. The common challenges and predictions that the Malaysian government faces in past events, threats driven by Covid-19, economic recovery plan, and adjusting to the new normal. This paper will also elaborate on how the Malaysian government implements Malaysia Cybersecurity Strategy 2020-2024 for the economic wellbeing and security of the nation, also the view of Malaysian Public Sector ICT Strategic Plan 2016-2020 in cybersecurity. Keywords: Cybersecurity Strategies, Cybersecurity Challenges, Cybersecurity Malaysia.
I. INTRODUCTION Malaysia’s aspirations to become a developed country based on the four main pillars in the master framework of the transformation agenda which is (1-Malaysia) People First Achievement Prioritized, Government Transformation Program (GTP), Program Economic Transformation (ETP), and the New Economic Model. Malaysia as a developing country in global adapts information technology as a core value in employment, business industries, and government sectors. The focus area of Information Communication Technology (ICT) strategic thrust based on people-friendly and inclusive which is designed to focus on the Government's digital services that able to meet the increasingly sophisticated expectations of the people. Malaysia has become a long way since the first adoption of the Internet back in 1995. Today, broadband connectivity has become a necessity for businesses, services, and citizens of Malaysia to succeed and be relevant in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) [1]. Hardly everyone connected to cyberspace and becoming deeply reliant on democratized technologies such as mobile, computer, social, big data, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and cloud connectivity. Anything connected to the internet may be exposed to cyber risks. Cyber threats may be brought harmful impact not only on individual or private sectors but also on government agencies and cause reputational issues, interruption of services, damages, economic loss, and in the worst case, the security of a nation. So, Malaysia’s cybersecurity strategy is pragmatic for cyberspace that is secured, trusted, and resilient while at the same time fostering economic prosperity and the well-being of its citizens.
II. DISCUSSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS As published by Statista Research Department, the Malaysian number of internet users from 2018-2020 is increasing 27.56, 29.01, and 30.44 in millions accordingly [2]. On other hand, cyber threats have increased vigorously even faster than the security measures are put in place. Governments now deal with cyber threats not only at personal and financial gains but also from state-sponsored actors aimed at critical targets of national importance. It is worth noting that statesponsored attacks are not only sophisticated and potent but once deployed, these advanced technologies can fall into the
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