Malaysia records shortage in cybersecurity experts: Report
As per the recent statement of Malaysia’s Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, the country is currently facing a lack in its cybersecurity talent and requires 27000 professionals by the end of 2025.
Highlights
- The government also supports the establishment of cybersecurity education and capacity building initiatives
- Only 15,248 employees in the nation are officially classified as cybersecurity experts
According to Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysia lacks cybersecurity professionals and must hire around 27,000 sector workers that are needed in the country by 2025.
As per the recent data revealed by the Minister, only 15,248 employees in the nation are officially classified as cybersecurity experts.
“According to a recent study by the Department of Skills, The Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST) and Cybersecurity Malaysia, our country needs 27,000 cybersecurity knowledge workers by the end of 2025.
When introducing the Cyber Digital Services, Defence and Security Asia (CyberDSA) 2023 yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Fadzil stated that, "Based on the study, we are facing a shortfall of 12,000 cybersecurity workers."
Small and medium-sized businesses, according to Fahmi, will be vulnerable to cybercriminals since they lack resources and knowledge.
He added that the government also supports the establishment of cybersecurity education and capacity building initiatives. "Remote and hybrid work arrangements increase the demand for skills, as unmanaged devices can pose major security threats," Minister further said.
Education programmes offered by cybersecurity Malaysia
Among the education programmes are CyberGuru, the Cyber Range Consortium, and the Global Accreditation Cybersecurity Education Certification Scheme (Global ACE) by CyberSecurity Malaysia.
While CyberGuru is a platform that offers training programmes across many capabilities to stimulate innovation for effective cybersecurity defences, Global ACE is a comprehensive framework that identifies and certifies cybersecurity specialists.
"The Cyber Range Consortium will be established in collaboration with public institutions of higher learning to address the scarcity of skilled talent and the national cybersecurity workforce gap," revealed Fazdil.
A glimpse on cybersecurity bill
He continued by saying that the cybersecurity bill is likely to be introduced in Parliament before the end of the year, if not earlier. The National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa), which is a division of the National Security Council, is currently drafting the Bill.
"The bill's drafting process is still in progress. What is drafted must be sent by Nacsa. Before it is made public, we will provide the draught to the Cabinet, he said.
“The ministry is actively collaborating with the cybersecurity community to explore quantum-safe cryptographic solutions in strengthening the nation’s digital resilience,” he said, adding that the amendment of the PDPA 2010 is expected to be tabled this October or March next year.
