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Thuraya Telecommunications Company, a leading mobile satellite services operator, and Indosat Ooredoo, leading mobile operator in Indonesia, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a new range of services by combining Indosat products with Thuraya Satellite technology and devices for business customers in Indonesia. 

The agreement has created a framework for collaboration in three main areas. New services will be developed using Indosat SIM cards roaming on the Thuraya network as well as bundling satellite devices with Indosat Ooredoo digital applications. At a later stage, Thuraya and Indosat also plan to develop additional use cases for the burgeoning IoT market.

The satellite-powered business applications allow organisations to extend their services beyond terrestrial networks, whenever they have remote connectivity requirements across various extreme environmental conditions. Indosat has identified an extensive range of specific sector opportunities for Thuraya land, data and maritime services.

The full scope of markets now set for transformational communications capabilities across Indonesia includes oil and gas, and mining, plantations, high end yachting, merchants and fishing, military and police services.

Thuraya’s extensive and reliable satellite network complements Indosat’s own connectivity, extending into those areas that are beyond terrestrial reach. This will enable both companies to offer seamless customer experience.

Bilal Hamoui, Thuraya Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This is an important step towards an extensive and exciting long term collaboration. Indonesia is a large country covering a vast area, and it needs comprehensive connectivity at all times. Our capabilities are complementary, and we will be able to give end users far greater flexibility than they have now. This agreement delivers reliable communication wherever and whenever it is needed, and we are set to save and improve lives across Indonesia.”

Herfini Haryono, Indosat Ooredoo Director and Chief Wholesale and Enterprise, said: “We look forward to working with Thuraya to offer communication services beyond terrestrial reach. This will allow businesses, military, and oil and gas companies which operate on sea or on remote locations to stay connected with their central offices, bases and partners.

“It increases the efficiency of their operations, saves life and increases employee satisfaction by keeping in touch with their families. At the same time, the cooperation will expand the reach of our digital services such as unified communications, and provide a truly seamless experience. By adding satellite connectivity from Thuraya to the Indosat Ooredoo Business portfolio we continue to deliver on our strategy to lead in digital transformation. I am delighted we are able to support more of our customers in taking advantage of all that technology has to offer anytime, anywhere.”

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While Malaysia is actively investing in cybersecurity measures, it still faces significant challenges, as evidenced by recently recorded cyberattacks. In 2022, over 28 thousand cyberattacks were documented, though there was a slight decrease from around 33 thousand attacks in 2021. Despite efforts to bolster cybersecurity defenses, the frequency of cyberattacks in Malaysia has been steadily increasing over the past four years.

In response, the Malaysian Parliament recently tabled the Cyber Security Bill 2024, marking a pivotal step in fortifying the nation's cyber defenses. The bill aims to establish a robust regulatory framework to protect Malaysia's cyber landscape, particularly its critical information infrastructure, against evolving cyber threats.

The bill extends its jurisdiction beyond Malaysia's borders, applying to individuals of any nationality or citizenship, as well as to both federal and state governments. Under its provisions, the National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) will be formed, chaired by the Prime Minister, and tasked with advising the government on cyber security matters and overseeing the bill's implementation. The establishment of the NCSC serves as a pivotal move towards centralizing efforts and ensuring cohesive coordination among sector leads and industry stakeholders.

Granting authority to the Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency, the bill authorizes the establishment of a National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre to manage cyber threats effectively. The Chief Executive is further permitted to issue directives ensuring compliance with the bill's provisions.

Protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII)

The bill focuses on safeguarding entities that own or operate national critical information infrastructure (NCII). Defined broadly as systems essential to Malaysia's security, economy, public health, and safety, the NCII encompasses sectors such as government, banking, transportation, healthcare, and energy.

Sector leads appointed by the Minister, which are responsible for cyber security, will oversee each NCII sector, designating entities as NCII entities and developing sector-specific codes of practice to ensure cyber resilience.

NCII entities are obligated to implement measures outlined in the sector-specific codes of practice to enhance cyber security. This includes conducting risk assessments and submitting audit reports to the Chief Executive. Moreover, the prompt reporting of cyber incidents is mandatory, which, in turn, triggers investigations and remedial actions, which are implemented by the authorities.

The bill mandates licensing for individuals or entities offering cybersecurity services, underscoring the importance of professional standards in the industry. The specific scope of these services will be determined by the Minister, ensuring alignment with evolving cyber threats and technological advancements.

Regulated entities, particularly those overseen by Bank Negara Malaysia, Securities Commission Malaysia, and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, have already implemented robust cyber security policies. These entities adhere to regulatory guidelines, ensuring the existence of incident reporting mechanisms, business continuity plans, and emergency communications protocols.

Malaysia’s 2024 Cyber Threats Landscape

Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, predicts that there will be an increase in cyber-threats in Malaysia throughout 2024, particularly targeting organizations handling personal data within the financial and telecommunications sectors.

According to Kaspersky's data from 2023, their detection systems intercepted 26.85 million ‘internet-borne’ attacks in Malaysia, averaging 74,000 attacks daily. Additionally, their systems identified and blocked 22 million local infection threats (equivalent to around 60,000 attacks per day).

Malaysia's cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with cyber solutions poised to dominate the market with a projected volume of USD 284.10 million in 2024. This sector is expected to witness robust growth, with revenue forecasted to increase at an annual rate of 13.71% (CAGR 2024-2028), reaching a market volume of USD 844.70 million by 2028.

Moreover, the average spend per employee in cybersecurity is projected to reach USD 29.79 in 2024. Thus, the need for robust investment in cyber security is mandatory to ensure that Malaysia’s cyber landscape is protected and can flourish.

Malaysia's Digital Transformation Efforts

In line with Malaysia's digital transformation agenda, cyber security has been identified as a key enabler under the Program Mangkin Malaysia Digital (PEMANGKIN). The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has allocated significant funding to support cyber security initiatives, underscoring the importance of this sector in Malaysia's digital evolution.

As the need for cyber security increases, service providers offering penetration testing, independent cyber audits, and cloud security services are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Malaysia's digital landscape. Through initiatives like the Malaysia Digital Status, these providers can access incentives such as tax benefits and foreign worker quotas, fostering growth and innovation in the cyber security sector.

The passing of the Cyber Security Bill represents a commendable and timely step in Malaysia's journey towards digital resilience. The Cyber Security Bill 2024 underscores Malaysia's commitment to building a secure digital infrastructure ecosystem. By bolstering its cyber security framework, Malaysia aims to instill greater confidence among international partners and investors, positioning itself as a leading digital hub in ASEAN.

 

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