National Cyber Security Agency Drafts New Cybercrime Bill to Combat Modern Cyber Threats
Introduction
The National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) is in the process of drafting a new Cybercrime Bill, which is set to be tabled during the Third Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Parliament in October. This new bill aims to replace the outdated Computer Crimes Act 1997, which is no longer effective in addressing modern cyber threats.
Need for a New Bill
NACSA chief executive officer Dr. Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin emphasized the importance of a new bill, stating, "We actually wanted to revise the Computer Crimes Act 1997 but I think it is more relevant if have a new act rather then revising the old Act, which is more complicated." He added that the new bill is a key requirement for Malaysia to join the Budapest Convention and the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime this June, demonstrating the country’s commitment to combat cybercrime domestically and internationally.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
In a separate dialogue session, Megat Zuhairy highlighted the urgent need to address the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The Prime Minister’s target is to achieve 25,000 cybersecurity experts by the end of the year, but Megat Zuhairy emphasized the importance of retaining local talents to meet this goal. He suggested that the industry offer higher salaries to Malaysian talents and provide workplace flexibility to encourage more women to enter and remain in the cybersecurity workforce.
Workplace Flexibility and Talent Retention
Megat Zuhairy emphasized the need to adopt a drastic approach to address the talent shortage, stating, "We need 10,000 talents this year and if the universities manage to produce 3,000 now, half of it will go to other countries like Singapore, Qatar, and Dubai who offer a lot more (salary)." He also advocated for workplace flexibility to encourage more women to enter and remain in the cybersecurity workforce.
Conclusion
The National Cyber Security Agency’s efforts to draft a new Cybercrime Bill and address the cybersecurity talent shortage are crucial steps in enhancing Malaysia’s cybersecurity posture. The country’s commitment to join the Budapest Convention and the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime demonstrates its dedication to combating cybercrime domestically and internationally. By adopting a more flexible approach to talent retention and development, Malaysia can ensure a more robust and resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the new Cybercrime Bill?
The new Cybercrime Bill aims to replace the outdated Computer Crimes Act 1997 and address modern cyber threats. - Why is a new bill necessary?
The Computer Crimes Act 1997 is no longer effective in addressing modern cyber threats, and a new bill is necessary to ensure Malaysia’s cybersecurity posture is robust and effective. - What is the Prime Minister’s target for cybersecurity experts?
The Prime Minister aims to achieve 25,000 cybersecurity experts by the end of the year. - How can the industry address the talent shortage?
The industry should offer higher salaries to Malaysian talents and provide workplace flexibility to encourage more women to enter and remain in the cybersecurity workforce.