Pikom launches cyber security chapter

By Digital News Asia October 10, 2017

Direct response towards addressing the growing issue of online security threats
Will be helmed by Alex Liew, a Pikom councillor representing Glocomp

Pikom launches cyber security chapter

THE National ICT Association of Malaysia (Pikom) on Oct 9 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 cyber attacks, 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 e-commerce, cyber security must be regarded as a critical business factor. Cyber attacks 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 cyber security framework for Malaysia,” said Pikom chairman Chin Chee Seong (pic).

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 Info-security 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 cyber crime, engaging academia in the nurturing of Info-security talent, promoting career prospects in Info-security 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 cyber security 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,” said Chin.

Chin also added that a steady talent pipeline is required and going forward, cyber security will provide potentially exciting and promising career opportunities. The supply of qualified talent is crucial to building the overall cyber security 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.