New legal framework to counter cyber threats
8th April 2006 (The Star)

CYBERJAYA: A legal framework on the use, development and marketing of ICT industry related products is to be established to counter cyber threats.

"The impact from a cyber attack can be as bad as or worse than a physical attack, and if left without proper control can affect public security," Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

Abdullah said cyber attacks through the communications network was one of the new challenges facing cyber security.

"This is especially when the infrastructure management system, management of energy supply, water, transportation, financial operation and banking, telecommunication services and health are undergoing a process of migration from manual to electronic," he said after chairing the National Information Technology Council (NITC) meeting here yesterday.

The meeting focused on national cyber security policy, content screening of mobile services and early disaster warning system.

On content screening of mobile services, Abdullah said measures were needed to prevent unsuitable content from reaching the younger generation, who were exposed to 3G technology.

At the same time, parents and the corporate sector that gained from such services should share in the social responsibility, he said.

He said the discussion on the early disaster warning system through telecommunications messages was to pave way for the development of an effective early warning system.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Mohd Effendi Norwawi and Minister of Higher Education Datuk Mustapa Mohamed also attended the NITC meeting. Bernama