NSC urged to stop cyberattacks during polls

A mechanism to counter cyber issues that can jeopardise the nation’s economy and politics need to be prepared by the National Security Council (NSC).

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the baseless allegations spread on cyberspace could damage the image of the country.

“For instance, during the 13th General Election, opposition parties have used social media to spread false information that 40,000 Bangladeshis were sent to polling centres to vote for Barisan Nasional.”

He said it influenced voting patterns and the election results.

“This shows how critical cyber security can be.

“We hope NSC will take necessary measures to ensure that such threats can be stopped during the next general election,” Rahman said at the National Cyber Crisis Exercise (X-Maya 6) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre yesterday.

X-Maya 6 was organised by NSC in collaboration with CyberSecurity Malaysia,

He said NSC should view cyber security issues in a larger perspective as cyberattacks can also involve, banking, networking, finance and defence sectors.

He said rumours that Tabung Haji and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) were experiencing bankruptcy could affect the country’s economic stability.

“This has caused some countries to cancel their investments due to misinformation about Malaysia on cyberspace.

“And because of these false news, many depositors of Tabung Haji have withdrawn their funds.”

Rahman said the digital age had provided a new domain for criminals, hackers, terrorists and paedophiles to pursue their agendas more effectively.

The three-day event saw the participation of 92 agencies comprising 46 public and 46 private bodies.