New Straits Time - Cyber security in Malaysia under control

Three days before the 13th General Elections, a Bernama reporter called up asking me to do some predictions on a possible cyber attack. And so I responded as per the report below. But, this may sound very cliche, politically, but I must say that I was either misquoted or the pleasant-sounding reporter over the phone didn't really get what I was trying to say. But I don't blame the reporter anyways. Ha ha.

KUALA LUMPUR: CyberSecurity Malaysia has given assurance that the cyber security in Malaysia is still under control despite concerns over the increasing number of cyber attacks during the 13th general election process.

Its chief executive officer, Dr Aminuddin Abdul Wahab, said CyberSecurity, Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission were always monitoring the situation to ensure peace in the cyber world.

"Internet users need not to worry. All of them, especially the adults, can help maintain peace in the cyber world by adhering to the law while surfing the Internet," he said in a statement here.

He said the most important thing that should be done by an Internet user to maintain cyber-peace was to be an ethical social citizen when using emails and social websites like Facebook, Twitter and blogs.

"Think rationally. Don't get too emotional and don't simply believe the information spread by unknown sources. Don't simply like, share or forward the information as it tantamounts to spreading lies," he explained.

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara communication and media studies faculty lecturer Shahnon Mohamed Salleh said although it cannot be confirmed that cyber attacks would occur during the polling day of the 13th polls tomorrow, it was almost definite that the attacks, should they occur, would not only involve Facebook and Twitter, but also emails.

"The objective for the cyber attacks is to cripple certain software to prevent dissemination of information so that the public won't be able to get the truth," he told Bernama when contacted.

He said the attacks would also be done to steal information from emails, especially those belonged to targeted politicians.

In case of any cyber security incident, Internet users are advised to lodge a report by sending an email to cyber999@cybersecurity.my or by filling the form at http://www.mycert.org.my/report_incidents/online_form.html.

Alternatively, users can also call CyberSecurity hotline at 1-300-88-2999 (office hour) or 019-2665850 (24hour-emergency),or type CYBER999 REPORT> and send to 15888.

CyberSecurity Malaysia is the national cyber security specialist agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). -- BERNAMA 

Read more: 'Cyber security in Malaysia under control' - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/cyber-security-in-malaysia-under-control-1.271287#ixzz2SosUtEeQ