Recent news published by thestar.com has put all companies and businesses on a high alert.
The cyber threat or the cyber attack in Malaysia is ranked 8th highest in the world. This means hackers and other cyber attackers constantly attack our country's cyber environment.
This poses a considerable risk for companies and businesses in Malaysia as these hackers can steal valuable items such as money, financial records, and clients' PDPA information and shut down websites, such as what happened to our Immigration department. The department's page title on Google search results showed "Hacked by CaptainSmok3r" instead of being led to the official website.
Cybersecurity in Malaysia
Cybersecurity in Malaysia has been gaining the appropriate attention. Companies and businesses are aware of its importance. Cybersecurity training and courses, conferences, and talks have been increasing lately. Cybersecurity leaders worldwide advocate the importance of a solid cybersecurity team or culture. The police are involved in this scenario, too, as people's money and data are getting stolen. PDRM and Whoscall gave away one million premium accounts to help fight against scams.
How companies and businesses can protect themselves
Invest in employee training and awareness:
The easiest way a hacker can attack a company's cyber information is through us. Attacks involving phishing and malicious websites are designed to trick individuals into entering a system. These attacks leverage typical human behaviour to carry out their objectives.
Companies must send their cybersecurity professionals to proper cybersecurity training and certification courses to be aware of all the latest attacks and identify them before it is too late. Professionals from different departments must also attend cybersecurity courses to get a basic understanding of its importance.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure requiring multiple credentials to verify a user’s identity. It combines what the user knows (like a password), what they have (like a security token), and what they are (like a fingerprint).
MFA provides an extra layer of protection, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Organizations must implement MFA as part of their security strategy, balancing robust security and user-friendly experience. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure used in Malaysia's banking, healthcare, education, government services, and IT industries.
Keep software and systems updated:
These updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities, preventing unauthorized access to systems and data theft. They also enhance security features, making systems more robust against attacks.
Compliance with industry regulations often requires businesses to keep their software updated, ensuring the security of sensitive data. Furthermore, updates protect against the latest cyber threats and optimize software performance, indirectly improving security. Therefore, regular updates are an essential part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Secure your network and endpoints:
Securing networks and endpoints forms the backbone of effective cybersecurity. Companies can significantly improve defences by minimizing attack surfaces, bolstering threat detection, and enhancing data protection. This translates to faster incident response, reduced compliance risks, and a more fortified security posture.
Investing in network and endpoint security demonstrates a commitment to protecting valuable data, and fosters trust with customers and stakeholders. By implementing these measures, organizations can effectively shield themselves from cyberattacks and ensure their continued success.
Back up your data regularly.
Regular data backups are a vital shield against cyberattacks. They minimize data loss by providing a safety net in case of ransomware, system failures, or breaches. This allows for swift recovery, minimizing downtime and financial losses. Backups also facilitate faster incident response and encourage proactive security measures.
They fulfill compliance requirements and offer additional benefits like improved data accessibility, archiving, and enhanced security. Regularly backing up your data empowers your organization to withstand cyberattacks and safeguard its valuable assets. This investment in data security protects your operations, finances, and reputation.
Best Cybersecurity Training and Certifications
Training and educating people in the company can significantly improve a company's or a business's cybersecurity. These are some of the best cybersecurity courses and certifications companies can send their people to.
IRBIZ: Incident Response for Business Professionals
Cybersecurity threats are indiscriminate, targeting individuals in all departments across your organization. That's why everyone needs to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify, report, and respond to cyber incidents effectively.
CertNexus IRBIZ (CertNexus Incident Response for Business Professionals) offers a comprehensive training program suitable for everyone, regardless of their technical background.
CertNexus CSC: Cyber Secure Coder
CertNexus CSC (CertNexus Certified Cyber Secure Coder) empowers developers to identify and remediate vulnerabilities throughout development, eliminating them from design to implementation and beyond. With hands-on Python and JavaScript training, CSC teaches developers to integrate security into every step, safeguarding data, protecting user privacy, and preventing costly breaches.
This globally recognized certification validates your team's expertise and opens doors to career advancement. Choose from flexible learning options, including online self-paced or instructor-led sessions, and invest in your future with CertNexus CSC.
CPT: Certified Penetration Tester
The Certified Penetration Tester (CPT) program is crucial in today’s digital world, where cyber threats are evolving. This program trains individuals to conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, safeguarding businesses from data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
The course covers the latest attack vectors, vulnerability assessment techniques, network hardening strategies, and exploit methodologies across various attack surfaces. Participants gain hands-on experience with real-world scenarios, learn to identify and exploit vulnerabilities and develop skills to prepare and deliver professional reports. This training ensures your organization’s defences are robust against potential attacks.
CRISC: Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
Unlock your full potential and become a valuable asset to your organization with the ISACA CRISC certification. This sought-after credential transforms IT professionals into strategic partners equipped to identify, assess, mitigate, and control IT risks.
Through comprehensive training covering the entire CRISC syllabus, you'll gain the skills to pass the exam on your first attempt and unlock exciting career opportunities. Enhance your expertise, gain a competitive edge, and contribute to strategic decision-making, ensuring your organization's digital success. Invest in your future with CRISC and become a leader in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.
SC-200T00: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst
The Microsoft Security Operations Analyst course (Course SC-200T00–A) is a 4-day program that prepares individuals for the Security Operations job role. The course uses Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender for Cloud, and Microsoft 365 Defender to investigate, respond to, and hunt for threats.
The goal is to reduce organizational risk by remediating active attacks, advising on threat protection practices, and reporting policy violations. The course prepares professionals for the SC-200: Microsoft Security Operations Analyst exam.
Conclusion
Amidst rising cyber threats in Malaysia, the key to resilience lies in training. Companies are bolstering their defences through comprehensive cybersecurity training initiatives. These programs empower teams with crucial skills to identify, tackle, and mitigate evolving cyber risks, fortifying our digital landscape against potential threats.
FAQs
Why is cybersecurity training crucial for businesses in Malaysia?
Cybersecurity threats are escalating, and training equips teams with skills to identify and combat these evolving risks, securing valuable data and systems.
How do cybersecurity certifications benefit companies in Malaysia?
What role does training play in safeguarding against cyberattacks in Malaysia's digital landscape?