April 22, 2024 at 09:07PM
Malaysia has passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024, requiring licensing for cybersecurity professionals and service providers. The law is structured as umbrella legislation, mandates licensing, and sets the framework for future government activity to secure critical infrastructure and improve national cybersecurity. This move aligns with similar requirements in countries like Singapore, Ghana, and the European Union.
From the provided meeting notes, the key takeaways are as follows:
1. Malaysia has passed the Cyber Security Bill 2024, which mandates licensing for cybersecurity professionals and service providers, though the specific requirements for licensing are yet to be determined.
2. The new legislation aligns Malaysia with countries like Singapore and Ghana that have already implemented laws requiring licensing or certification for cybersecurity service providers and professionals.
3. Ghana is unique in requiring individual cybersecurity specialists to obtain licenses, particularly for specific areas such as vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, digital forensics, managed cybersecurity services, cybersecurity training, and cybersecurity GRC.
4. Various governments and regions, including the European Union, the US state of New York, and Singapore, have taken proactive steps to enforce cybersecurity certifications and licenses, while the US has largely relied on professional organizations for certification.
5. However, concerns have been raised regarding potential implications on freedom of speech and individual rights due to the broad powers granted to governments under cybersecurity legislation.
6. Despite these concerns, many view the licensing or certification requirements as a means to formalize best practices and ensure that cybersecurity specialists are equipped to handle the growing number of cyber threats, with the aim of adapting international best practices to local specifics.
These takeaways summarize the key points from the meeting notes, providing a clear understanding of the developments and implications within the cybersecurity regulatory landscape.