Appoint chief info security officers to combat data breaches, Fahmi tells ministries

Appoint chief info security officers to combat data breaches, Fahmi tells ministries

He says cyber threats pose an ever-present challenge and the government must safeguard the security of data.

Communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil said the recent breach of Socso’s database showed the threat posed by cyber criminals. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
The recent breach of the Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) database has driven home the importance of ministries establishing a chief information security officer position.

This is necessary to effectively address the issue of data breaches, said communications and digital minister Fahmi Fadzil.

He said the responsibility for this change lies with the chief secretary, CEOs and the highest echelons of ministries.

Cyber threats pose an ever-present challenge and the government must safeguard the security of ministries’ data, Bernama reported him as saying when appearing as a guest on RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme today.

“We are witnessing a rise in the ingenuity and sophistication of hackers’ techniques and there is a growing concern that they might leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to breach, hack and illicitly obtain our data.

“I perceive a significant challenge in the realm of cybersecurity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the ministry would ensure telecommunications companies employ a greater number of young people equipped with technical and vocational (TVET) skills.

“The government is urging vocational training institutes to support government-related companies and some key enterprises by providing training and subsequently hiring more employees,” he said.

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