Cyber security industry is potential source of economic growth for Malaysia
26 October 2010 (Bernama) KUALA LUMPUR: The cyber security industry is potentially a new source of economic growth for the country, says Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Fadillah Yusof said "While we clearly need to make a strong effort to secure cyberspace, it also presents to us, a window of opportunity to focus on developing the cyber security industry as a new source of economic growth. "Indeed, cyber security and economic innovation can be a mutuallyreinforcing mechanism towards our aspiration of achieving high income status," he said, during the launch of the Cyber Security Malaysia Awards, Conference and Exhibition 2010 here on Tuesday, Oct 26. Fadillah said as cyber threats have the potential to cause economic losses that are huge and insurmountable, the awareness of cyber security has increased and international communities have made it a part of their plans centered on economic innovation. In Malaysia, he said currently there are an estimated 16 million people who use the internet on a regular basis and this is set to increase with government efforts to enhance the broadband penetration rate in the country. "As a result, more than one million premises including homes, offices, industrial parks, institutions of higher learning, ports and airports will have access to high-spead broadband by end 2012," he added. He highlighted that with ICT and internet access being extensive in urban areas, Malaysia's larger cities are rapidly transforming themselves into digital cities. "From these numbers alone, we can clearly see the potential for the emergence of numerous digital cities dotting the globe which are inter-connected to each other via multiple channels built upon common technology platforms," he said. He also said with all this development, it is incumbent for the country to ensure that cyberspace is protected against all forms of threats. "Thus, cyber security has become an important and significant component of national security, public safety and privacy in all domains. "With the rise of digital cities, it becomes even more crucial for Malaysia to put in place the policies and mechanism to ensure the government, businesses and individuals can continue to play an innovative and creative role in sustaining our digital cities," he explained. Fadillah said the exploration of new ideas and forging collaborations is needed to improve and strengthen the country's capabilities in cyber security. - Bernama |
