SHAH ALAM, Dec 3 — Private companies should establish a chief information security officer (CISO) position amid the growing threat of cyberattacks, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said the role is crucial as data has become one of the most valuable assets driving business operations and shaping any organisation’s future.
“They need a change of culture, especially at the C-suite level, where the CISO must help drive this cultural transformation within the organisation,” he told reporters after the launch of Leonardo’s Regional Cyber Centre here today.
“This is to ensure that everyone, from the highest-ranking officers to the most junior staff, understands that if anyone at any time fails to uphold cyber security practices, the entire organisation can be disrupted and paralysed.”
Fahmi said such risks can arise when, for instance, an employee resigns but still retains access to a company’s backend systems, creating opportunities for data theft.
“This understanding must exist within every organisation, including government agencies,” he said.
In December 2023, Fahmi had stressed the importance of establishing the CISO position in every ministry to effectively address the issue of data breaches.
On the launch of the regional cyber centre today, Fahmi said it positions Malaysia to become a regional leader and provider of cyber security services in Southeast Asia, while commending Leonardo — an Italian multinational specialising in aerospace, defence and security — for its efforts in strengthening the region’s cyber resilience.
“It is also an important step to improve bilateral ties between Malaysia and Italy. Today, the centre employs 40 staff, but I believe this figure will continue to grow.
“Leonardo’s goal is to help position Malaysia as a cyber security hub, and we welcome that. The opening of this cyber centre is timely, as it sends a strong signal to the market.”
Earlier in his speech, he noted that many Malaysian companies still do not view cyber security as a worthwhile investment of their time and resources.
In this regard, Fahmi said, Leonardo’s Regional Cyber Centre aligns with the government’s focus on strengthening cyber security, especially as Malaysia faces a critical shortage of talent in the industry.
