CYBERJAYA (17 AUGUST 2019)
Cyber security’s importance is on the rise as the world is increasingly reliant on digital technology. This reliance will continue as we introduce the next generation of new digital technology that will have access to our connected devices. The answer to why cyber security is important then becomes quite clear: because it protects all categories of data from theft and damage. This includes sensitive data, personally identifiable information, protected health information, personal information, intellectual property, data, and governmental and industry information systems.
Moreover, both inherent risk and residual risk is increasing, driven by global connectivity and usage of cloud services to store sensitive data and personal information. Additionally, increasingly sophisticated cyber criminals mean the risk that an organisation may suffer from a successful cyber-attack or data breach would also be on the rise.
The proliferation of data breaches means that cybersecurity is not just relevant to heavily regulated industries, but even small businesses are at risk of suffering irrecoverable reputational damage following a data breach. Thus, organisations can no longer solely rely on out-of-the-box cyber security solutions like antivirus software and firewalls as cybercriminals are getting smarter, and their tactics are becoming more resilient to conventional cyber defences. Therefore, cyber threats can come from any level of your organization. Implementing cyber security controls means organisations have in place mechanisms to prevent, detect and mitigate cyber threats and attacks. The mechanisms range from physical controls, such as security guards and surveillance cameras, to technical controls, including firewalls and multifactor authentication. Safe to say, a cyber security solution will not only allow organisations to defend itself against data breach campaigns, but also makes it less an irresistible target for cybercriminals.
Broadly stating, anything connected to the internet is exposed to cyber risks. With this understanding, UNIMY does not need a crystal ball to know that cyber security job in Malaysia would be in high demand in the future. The fact that Malaysia is aiming to produce 20,000 cybersecurity experts by 2025 and the country is projected to have an additional 9,020 cybersecurity professional positions by 2026 that need to be filled, is further testament to why cyber security is important. Thus, the university needs to ensure its students would be able to develop a cyber security strategy that is pragmatic while simultaneously secured, trusted and resilient in order to continue helping the nation foster economic prosperity and the well-being of its citizens.
Therefore, University Malaysia of Computer Science & Engineering (UNIMY), the nation’s first ICT-focused digital technology university, partnered with electric-vehicle maker Eclimo Sdn Bhd and cyber security experts LE Global Services Sdn Bhd (LGMS) to provide IT security training and certification programme for its students.
Multiple Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) were signed today between the university and the two companies respectively to collaborate efforts to set up authorised IT, IT security training and certification programme.
Commenting on the partnerships, Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr. Mokhtar Abdullah said: “We are very excited to team up with these two very innovative and fast-rising technology start-ups in Malaysia. As you know, the technology world is increasingly dominated by new players with ideas that disrupt the industries. Our students will benefit from the collaborations that will provide advantage in securing internships and jobs — our students have enjoyed 100% employment so far. The partnership also opens new opportunities for workshops and bootcamps.”
Eclimo, which developed the only Malaysian fully electric two-wheeled scooters in the market, was represented by its Founder Dato’ Dennis Chuah at the signing. He said: “UNIMY students will be the first to experience our convenient and environmental-friendly scooter system as we collaborate to make the first batch of our vehicles available in Cyberjaya under a pilot project called RideNOW. Otherwise, our technology is also available through business-to-business arrangement before we go into full-blast production for the consumer market.”
LGMS, established in 2005, is currently the largest and most organised penetration testing firm in Malaysia.
It also specialises in cybersecurity consultancy and digital forensics. “We are thrilled to offer our IT Security training and certification programmes to the students of UNIMY to help develop a new generation of digital technology experts. These are skills that will be increasingly in demand in future job market,” said Gilbert Chu, Chief Operating Officer at LGMS.
The signing ceremony was held in conjunction with UNIMY’s Open Day on 17 & 18 August 2019, in Cyberjaya, which offers an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the university and its courses. Highlights of the two-day event include talks and panel discussions on topics related to Industry 4.0, big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, and tips to become a technopreneur. There was also be a ‘Shark Tank’ pitch session where participants formed a team to propose ideas on how to create an innovative future university experience using technology.
On top of the MOCs, Eclimo and LGMS are also part of six companies that signed industry collaborations with UNIMY to help kick start its University-Industry Media Lab, aimed at providing students with real life lab experience working with the industry partners. In return, the companies will be able to tap into a vast pool of talents for their pilot projects.
The other four companies that signed a certificate of collaboration with UNIMY are:
Teamwork AllGain Sdn Bhd, which specialises in automotive and TVET’s education development industry. It was represented by Founder and Executive Chairman Mohd. Asri Mustapha Kamal;
Knowledge Link Sdn Bhd, one of the fastest-growing IT solution providers and was represented by Managing Director Dr Mazitah Hussin;
Time Brain Sdn Bhd, a creative powerhouse that elevates and empowers organisations by linking Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of People. Its Founder and Chief Executive Officer Udit Jain signed on behalf of the company; and
Invinity Group Bhd, a fast-growing FinTech company that supports sustainable growth with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions. It was represented by Jeremy Mah, Executive Director.
Schedule an appointment with our UNIMY team to learn more about UNIMY’s cyber security programme or read more about the different levels of the programme’s curricula here.
References:
- https://www.bitsight.com/blog/cybersecurity-controls-types https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/feature/Types-of-cybersecurity-controls-and-how-to-place-them#:~:text=Cybersecurity%20controls%20are%20mechanisms%20used,including%20firewalls%20and%20multifactor%20authentication.
- https://www.upguard.com/blog/cybersecurity-important#:~:text=Cybersecurity%20is%20important%20because%20it,governmental%20and%20industry%20information%20systems.
UNIMY Teams Up With Electric Vehicle Maker, Cybersecurity Experts in Boost to Students
