Teo Nie Ching urges govt agencies to conduct cybersecurity audits amid rising hacking threats

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the measure was crucial to ensuring that security systems, including firewalls, could effectively protect data and prevent intrusions by unscrupulous parties. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 06 Nov 2026 2:36 PM MYT

KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 6 — All government agencies must conduct cybersecurity audits to identify vulnerabilities in their respective digital systems and infrastructure amid heightened hacking threats linked to developments in international conflicts.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the measure was crucial to ensuring that security systems, including firewalls, could effectively protect data and prevent intrusions by unscrupulous parties.

She said that while the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) led the country’s cybersecurity efforts, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was ready to assist government agencies in conducting the audits.

“We have therefore asked the MCMC to assist in conducting cybersecurity audits to ensure that existing systems are not easily breached by hackers,” she said after presenting a contribution under the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA X TM initiative to a former Utusan Malaysia photographer here today.

Teo said efforts to strengthen cybersecurity should also extend to the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associations, particularly those that rely on the internet and store data online.

She said all organisations, particularly those operating critical infrastructure such as hospitals and banking systems, should allocate dedicated funds for cybersecurity audits.

Teo said previous hacking incidents targeting local authority systems highlighted the importance of preventive measures and safeguarding digital data.

“Just as people are encouraged to undergo health check-ups, companies, NGOs and associations must also give due attention to cybersecurity,” she said.

She also advised organisations subscribing to artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services to set aside part of their budgets to strengthen cybersecurity.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the Royal Malaysia Police continued to strengthen its preparedness against potential cyber threats amid developments in international conflicts, particularly those involving Iran and the United States. — Bernama