PUTRAJAYA: The increased use of digital technology during the Covid-19 pandemic has caused increased cybercrime and increased security concerns in Malaysia, explains Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Speaking at the cyber defense and security virtual launch and exhibition conference 2021 (CYDES 2021), the prime minister said the “worrying” increase has become an issue that deserves serious attention from the country .

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic today, we live in a very different world.

“Our lifestyles have changed and so embracing digital technology has become a new standard.

“Now more and more Malaysians are entering e-commerce.

“Our students have become more exposed to online classrooms as business and government sectors continually improve their efficiency through digitalization.

“But this dependence not only created new opportunities, but also opened the door to threats, risks and vulnerabilities.

“Irresponsible cybercriminals are exploiting the situation to carry out their malicious intent.

“In 2019, the number of reported cyber incidents stood at 3,787. In 2020, the number of incidents reached a worrying figure of 10% to 4,194. This year the number is expected to increase further, as can be seen in the first quarter of this year only. where 1,300 cyber incidents have been reported.

“Cybercrimes have also shown an increasing trend.

According to police statistics, in 2019 the number of reported cybercrimes was 11,875 cases, with RM 498 million in terms of losses.

“Last year the number of cases rose to 14,229, with total losses of RM 413 million. In the first quarter of this year, the number of reported cases was 4,327 and the losses involved were 77 million of RM, ”Muhyiddin said in his speech.

He said the National Cybersecurity Agency (NACSA), which reports to the National Security Council (NSC), has been tasked with leading the country’s cybersecurity initiatives.

He added that Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will be in charge of Malaysia’s cybersecurity affairs.

“The government is serious and deeply committed to improving national resilience by protecting our cyber environment.

“All countries in the world should take this issue seriously,” he said.

Muhyiddin also said that Malaysia’s Digital Economy Plan (MyDigital) reflects the government’s commitment to improve national resilience by protecting the cyber environment.

He also said that the action plan under Malaysia’s cybersecurity strategy 2020-2024 will align with MyDigital initiatives with the aim of creating a secure cyberspace.

MyDigital is an initiative to transform Malaysia into a digitally driven high income nation and a regional leader in the digital economy.

The initiative is designed to complement development policies such as the twelfth Malaysian plan and the vision of shared prosperity 2030.

CYDES 2021 is a biennial international conference and exhibition under the Malaysia Cyber ​​Security Strategy (MCSS) 2020-2024.

“The objective of CYDES is to bring together all cybersecurity experts to share their best practices and the latest technologies and updates available.

“We hope that this conference will enable us to fight better together against cybercrime. In the face of growing cyber threats, we must all work together to share our experiences, knowledge and new technologies.

“CYDES will include the ASEAN Cyber ​​Security Forum, 12 MCSS track sessions, a cyber podium, political dialogues, virtual exhibits, memorandum and letter of understanding signing ceremonies, and discussions involving 30 countries with a total of 2,500 participants.

“There will be 80 companies promoting and showcasing their latest products,” Muhyiddin said.