Cyber security is in good hands
30 April 2010 (The Star)

THE Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) and CyberSecurity Malaysia would like to thank the writer of "IT security must be put in place fast" (The Star, April 26).

The writer was referring to CyberSecurity Malaysia's feedback in an earlier letter in The Star on phishing that CyberSecurity Malaysia had responded to.

In his letter, the writer expressed concern over phishing and how it could affect Internet banking users and the growth of the ICT industry in Malaysia.

"Let's hope the Science, Techno­logy and Innovation Ministry and CyberSecurity will work closely with IT security experts in the West," he had urged.

We would like to assure him that CyberSecurity Malaysia has been collaborating with international experts and organisations in information security.

CyberSecurity Malaysia spearheaded the formation of cyber security collaboration called the Organisation of Islamic Conference Computer Emergency Response Team (OIC-CERT) among OIC countries and is currently holding the Chair position.

Other initiatives include co-founding the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (Apcert), becoming a member of the Forum of Incidents Response and Security Teams (First) and the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

With such collaboration, CyberSecurity Malaysia is able to work closely with trusted and reliable international information security experts.

We would also like to acknowledge the writer's suggestion of providing personalised services for managing stolen or lost identity as offered by a company based in the US.

However, managing online identities is more complex than dealing with a stolen wallet as it usually involves cross border cooperation.

On that note, CyberSecurity Malaysia has been providing proactive services for notifying local financial institutions when it discovers phishing sites, stolen credentials and use of malicious software such as Trojans.

On cyber security awareness and acculturation, Mosti and CyberSecurity Malaysia have been conducting continuous initiatives to educate Internet users in Malaysia on Internet safety and security. Both organisations play active roles in overseeing the security of Malaysian cyberspace.

More information can be found at CyberSafe's portal, www.cybersafe.my, which provides Internet safety tips, advisories and messages of cyber safety to family and friends.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS UNIT,
Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.