Be wary of risks, dangers lurking in cyberspace, M’sians reminded

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian youths are urged to equip themselves with the skills, knowledge and also the attitude to leverage on the potential benefits of digital technology.

This call came from Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau at the Fifth National ICT Security Discourse ( NICTSeD) – CyberSafe Challenge Trophy 2017 last Friday.

Our youths are most vulnerable to cyber threats and risks associated with the Internet. It is, therefore, important for teachers and parents to play a proactive role in inculcating awareness and promoting positive and responsible use of the Internet. — Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation

“While the government and the industry have made great progress in our quest to make the Internet a safer place for young people, we recognise that the risks and danger remain.

“Our youths are most vulnerable to cyber threats and risks associated with the Internet. It is, therefore, important for teachers and parents to play a proactive role in inculcating awareness and promoting positive and responsible use of the Internet.

“The NICTSeD 2017 is one such initiative that helps nurture resilient and ethical digital citizen to be ‘ Always Smart, Always Safe Online’,” he was quoted as saying in a press statement.

Madius also called upon more Malaysian organisations from the private sector to contribute towards helping the country’s future generations develop strong competency in navigating the cyberspace.

Meanwhile CyberSecurity Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab said: “The Internet has revolutionised the way our children learn, play and interact with one another.”

He observed that the shift in communications and social interaction had given rise to many challenges such as online games and social media addiction, cyberbullying and cyber- stalking.

“If left unchecked, these social problems could spiral into a serious menace that would harm our future generation. We must find a balance in empowering and protecting our children online,” he stressed.

Based on CyberSecurity Malaysia’s statistics, 379 cases of cyber harassment were reported in the first six months this year.

A study on Cyber Safety Awareness among children in schools also indicated that 56.3 per cent of the children were aware of the ability to set the privacy setting of their social media accounts.