Cybersecurity takes centre stage at networking event for Safer Internet Day

Over 300 cybersecurity professionals and leaders convened to promote greater collaboration within the sector

YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital emphasised that cooperation between stakeholders both locally and internationally is crucial, and events like Cyber DSA 2023 will serve as a bridge in forging partnerships and collaborations to navigate knowledge, expertise and experience in advancing digitalisation and security.

With the internet and digital technology now entrenched in daily life, cyberthreats have become increasingly a cause for concern. From banking fraud to social media scams to malware attacks, cybercrimes can cause significant financial losses, disruption and threaten public safety.

In light of these issues, Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd in collaboration with CyberSecurity Malaysia recently highlighted the importance of cybersecurity through an industry networking event as part of its wider celebrations for Safer Internet Day 2023. The event was held at Menara Cyber Axis in Cyberjaya and drew over 300 invited participants, including industry professionals, corporate leaders, and government officials, in an informal setting to share and discuss the latest in cybersecurity trends.

In attendance was Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital YB Teo Nie Ching, who lauded the event as a proactive step to address threats to Malaysia’s digital spaces in her opening remarks. “The Malaysian edition of SID this year, as helmed by CyberSecurity Malaysia, is focused around the SIBER MALAYSIA MADANI: Sentiasa Bijak, Sentiasa Selamat'. While this campaign seeks to educate the public on being smarter digital citizens by promoting self-accountability, the ministry welcomes more industry stakeholders to participate in their own way — this event is a stellar example doing just that.”

Also present were the Chairman of the Board of Directors CyberSecurity Malaysia, General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Haji Zulkifeli Bin Mohd Zin (Retired); Secretary General, Ministry of Communications and Digital, Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Bin Mentek; Chief Executive Officer, CyberSecurity Malaysia, Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Bin Abdul Wahab and Director General Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division, Rear Admiral Dato' Shamsuddin bin Hj Ludin.

The inaugural Cyber DSA 2023 is set to welcome new exhibitors who will each feature the latest in cutting-edge cybersecurity technology, innovations and solutions.

Safer Internet Day, celebrated annually in over 200 countries on the second Tuesday of February. It is a global initiative aimed at promoting the safe and responsible use of the internet. Since 2010, the local edition of Safer Internet Day has been led by CyberSecurity Malaysia under its CyberSAFE programme in a bid to strengthen the national cybersecurity agenda.

"We’re honoured to celebrate Safer Internet Day with this networking session and aim to continue creating more opportunities that can facilitate cooperation and idea generation to keep our digital spaces safe and secure. With the increasing complexity and pervasiveness of digital threats, the reality is that we cannot solve current cybersecurity problems — or even build up resilience against potential new issues — by staying in silos. By bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals and agency officials, we hope to facilitate greater engagement across the public and private sectors to better overcome the barriers we face in creating a robust and secure online ecosystem.,” Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin, Chairman of Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd in his statement.

The networking event also saw the announcement of new exhibitors set to feature their cybersecurity products and solutions at the upcoming Cyber Digital Services, Defence and Security Asia Expo and Conference (CyberDSA) 2023. The new exhibitors recently signed the contract are Adaptive Netpoleon Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Netscout), Cyble Inc, First Billennium Sdn Bhd (Sion Defence), Ishantech (M) Sdn Bhd, and MSP Systems (M) Sdn Bhd.

“In this day and age, where cybersecurity threats are not limited by geographical or organisational boundaries, stakeholder collaboration has become an imperative. Given the wealth of expertise gathered here at this moment, I hope that you will join us at CyberDSA 2023 to shape the future of cybersecurity together,” said General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Haji Zulkifeli Bin Mohd Zin.

The inaugural CyberDSA 2023, organised by Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn. Bhd and supported by CyberSecurity Malaysia and Malaysian Armed Forces through Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Division, is scheduled to be held from 15 August to 17 August 2023 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Complimenting the prestigious setup will be Siber Siaga and CSM-ACE which will be held in conjunction with this event. The annual event of CSM-ACE under the purview of CyberSecurity Malaysia serves as a forum for cybersecurity experts to discourse on cybersecurity current issues, trends, technology and innovations and to recognise the contribution of individuals and organisations in the field of cybersecurity. Siber ​​Siaga is a manifestation of the Defence Cyber ​​& Electromagnetic Division in strengthening efforts between Malaysia Armed Forces (ATM), industry players, universities, cyber security practitioners and the public in cyber security for Malaysia cyber sovereignty.

This year’s edition of the annual conference will see more than 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in cutting-edge cybersecurity technology, and is set to draw over 5,000 visitors from 20 countries. Over its three-day programme, CyberDSA 2023 will feature keynote addresses, talks, roundtable discussions and exhibits touching on emerging cybersecurity technologies, including cyber defence, land & cellular network security, big data, cloud computing solutions, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology.