The National ICT Association of Malaysia (“PIKOM”) announced the formation of its Cybersecurity Chapter. The Chapter is a direct response towards addressing the growing issue of online security threats and other incidents that have steadily increased in the past decade.
In the wake of more frequent and damaging cyberattacks, malware incidences and the recent ransomware experience, PIKOM believes that greater awareness and stronger policies are needed as the present measures are insufficient. If left unchecked, the potential fallout would be huge, given the growing role of the digital economy and its rising contributions to the overall ICT industry and the Malaysian economy.
“With the vast growth of digital transformation, digital economy and eCommerce, cybersecurity must be regarded as a critical business factor. Cyberattacks are the new means used by criminals to cripple organisations and critical infrastructures as well as “attack” countries. The devastating effects included financial loss, data loss and irreparable damage to reputation and credibility. Hence, PIKOM is taking this issue very seriously. We aim to heighten awareness and to work with all stakeholders towards the creation of a robust cybersecurity framework for Malaysia,” shared PIKOM Chairman Chin Chee Seong.
The Cybersecurity Chapter will be helmed by Alex Liew, a PIKOM Councillor representing Glocomp while former PIKOM Chairman, Woon Tai Hai of BDO has been appointed as Advisor. Members of the committee include leading Infosecurity names such as Cisco, Symantec, Fireeye, Trend Micro, Dimension Data, Mesiniaga, F-secure and LGMS.
Aside from raising awareness, the Chapter’s other objectives include advising government on policy formulation to combat cybercrime, engaging academia in the nurturing of Infosecurity talent, promoting career prospects in Infosecurity and promoting knowledge sharing and propagation of best practices via CIO engagement across industry verticals.
“Recent experiences show that no one can claim to be safe as cybersecurity threats do not discriminate. Any enterprise or entity can be a victim; hence protection is the best means to achieve prevention. Identification and incident response is crucial. Our industry experience and expertise – drawn from over 1,000 member companies gives us valuable insight to help companies especially in the strategic area of policy and decision making,” shared Chin.
Chin also added a steady talent pipeline is also required and going forward, cybersecurity will provide potentially exciting and promising career opportunities. The supply of qualified talent is crucial to building the overall cybersecurity framework or infrastructure for the country.
The new Chapter will be governed in line with the PIKOM Constitution with members deciding on strategies and programmes whilst PIKOM will serve as its Secretariat. This is PIKOM’s second new chapter for 2017 after the formation of its eCommerce Chapter in January 2017.
