Master plan on cybersecurity in the works

Master plan on cybersecurity in the works
Published 30 January 2020
The Star Online/ANN

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama): The National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) is developing a Cybersecurity Awareness Master Plan that will outline the role and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the implementation of cybersecurity awareness programmes in the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the plan is aimed at coordinating the implementation of cybersecurity awareness programmes nationwide to ensure they benefit the people.

“It will also be complemented with plans to promote cyber-awareness and security, nurturing and raising awareness of Internet and social media users, especially children, teenagers and parents, ” she said in a special interview with Bernama and RTM at her office here.

She said the cybersecurity master plan would also focus on instilling “cyber-hygiene” within public and private organisations, including the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

The master plan is expected to be released in October after it has been approved by the Cabinet, she added.

Meanwhile, Dr Wan Azizah said a national cyber crisis exercise known as X-Maya is expected to be held in November and will involve the participation of at least 100 CNII agencies to test their readiness and preparedness in facing cyber-attacks.

“Last year, we were involved at the Asia Pacific-level, we had done it in Malaysia and this year we are organising it again in the country.

“This initiative will help the government identify weaknesses and gaps in terms of procedures and technical expertise of the critical agencies towards improving cybersecurity in the country, ” she said.

Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister, said her ministry is selecting 100 women to participate in this year’s Empowering Women in Cyber Risk Management programme.

She said the programme targets women professionals who have been out of work for over six months to be given skills training in cybersecurity.

“The programme is a continuation of the one implemented last year that focused on skills training in cybersecurity, personal data protection, risk management and cybersecurity incidents, ” she added. – Bernama