In August 2024, Malaysia officially enacted the Cyber Security Act 854, a game changing law aimed at strengthening the country’s defenses against rising cyber threats. This legislation outlines clear requirements for businesses, particularly those in critical sectors, to adopt strong cybersecurity practices. With the surge in global cyberattacks, the law proves a robust framework to protect Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.
This guide explores the key components of Malaysia’s Cyber Security Act 854 and offers practical steps businesses should take to stay compliant.
Learn how to secure your operation, protect sensitive data, and meet the standards set by this new regulation.
Key Compliance Steps for NCII Entities Under Act 854
With the enactment of Malaysia’s Cyber Security Act 854, businesses operating within the nation’s National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII) must adhere to strict cyber security standards. Compliance isn’t about meeting legal requirements – it’s about protecting your business from potential cyber threats that could severely disrupt operations.
Let’s break down the crucial steps your business must follow to ensure full compliance with Act 854.
Implementation of Cybersecurity Standards
NCII entities must implement robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, in line with national and international standards. Compliance is mandatory, with severe penalties for non-adherence.
Regular Risk Assessments and Audits
Act 854 requires NCII entities to conduct annual risk assessments and biennial audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. Results must be reported to the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) to ensure accountability.
Licensing for Cybersecurity Service Providers
All cybersecurity service providers (CSSPs) must be licensed to operate in Malaysia. This ensures only qualified providers protect NCII entities, maintaining high security standards across the board.
If I Run a Small Business, How Will Act 854 Affect Me?
Though primarily designed for critical sectors, Act 854 has broad implications for small and mid-sized businesses that partner with NCII entities. Even if your business isn’t directly categorized as NCII, being part of their supply chain may place additional cybersecurity obligations on you.
Here’s how your SMB might need to adjust to meet these requirements and secure your partnerships.
Security Standards Compliance
Even if your business isn’t designated as NCII, working with NCII entities may require you to meet higher cybersecurity standards. This could involve implementing stronger protection measures, such as data encryption, secure access protocols, and firewalls, to ensure sensitive data handled in your operations is adequately protected.
Cybersecurity Clauses in Contracts
Contracts with NCII entities may include specific cybersecurity obligations that you must meet to maintain the relationship. This could mean adopting new cybersecurity practices or upgrading existing measures to comply with the requirements set by your NCII partners.
Reporting and Sharing Security Incidents
As a supplier or service provider to NCII entities, your business could be required to report cybersecurity incidents to your NCII partners. Establishing a clear incident response plan is critical to meet these obligations and maintain trust with your partners.
Security Audits and Compliance Checks
NCII entities may audit their supply chain partners, including small and mid-sized businesses, to ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards. Keeping your systems up-to-date and maintaining comprehensive security practices is essential to prepare for such audits.
If I’m Linked to NCII, How Can I Ensure Compliance with Act 854?
If your business is directly involved with Malaysia’s NCII, ensuring compliance with Act 854 is crucial for safeguarding critical infrastructure. The Act introduces comprehensive guidelines that demand attention to every aspect of your cybersecurity framework.
These steps will help you stay in line with the stringent requirements and maintain the integrity of your operations.
Familiarize Yourself with the Bill
Understand the requirements of Malaysia’s Cyber Security Act 854, particularly those related to NCII entities and supply chain obligations.
Conduct a Cyber Security Risk Assessment Regularly
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify and address any vulnerabilities in your systems. This is essential for minimizing the risk of a cyberattack.
Establish a Cyber Security Policy
Create a comprehensive cybersecurity policy that outlines your procedures for handling data, incident response, and access control.
Enforce Strong Cyber Security Controls
Implement strong security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive information.
Keep Systems and Applications Updated
Ensure all software and systems are regularly updated with the latest security patches to prevent vulnerabilities.
Educate Employees
Train your employees to recognize cybersecurity risks and best practices. Employees are often the first line of defense in preventing cyberattacks.
Establish Procedures for Incidents
Develop a clear plan for detecting, responding to, and mitigating security incidents. Quick response times can minimize the damage from a breach.
Seek Advice from Cyber Security Professionals
Engage with cybersecurity experts to assess your security posture and ensure you’re following best practices.
Also Read: How to Build a Resilient Cyber Defense: The Role of Cyber Security Solutions in 2024
To help businesses fully comply with Malaysia’s Cyber Security Act 854, it’s essential to adopt tailored security solutions that address both cybersecurity and disaster recovery. Defenxor and DBVisit provide comprehensive, trusted solutions that help businesses meet regulatory requirements while safeguarding their critical data and operations.
Simplify Cybersecurity Compliance with Defenxor
Implementing strong cybersecurity measures to comply with Malaysia’s Cyber Security Act 854 doesn’t have to be complicated. Defenxor provides three distinct solutions that help businesses streamline compliance while protecting their operations from evolving cyber threats. These solutions are designed to cover a broad range of cybersecurity needs, ensuring businesses remain secure and fully compliant.
Comprehensive Protection with Defenxor Intelligence Managed Security (DIMS)
DIMS offers an all-in-one solution through its advanced Security Operations Center (SoC). This service provides continuous, 24/7 monitoring and management of IT security, ensuring that businesses can detect and respond to threats in real time. DIMS also includes mobile app access for business leaders to stay updated on the status of their security systems.
With standardized technology and bundled services, DIMS guarantees that your security posture remains strong at all times.
Optimized Policy Development with Defenxor Intelligence Security Consulting (DISC)
DISC is designed to help businesses create, deploy, and optimize their security policies. As businesses grow and adopt new technologies, security policies must evolve. DISC supports organizations by conducting audits, offering advice on security improvements, and ensuring compliance with international standards like PCI-DSS and ISO 27000. From policy deployment to incident response, DISC helps businesses stay ahead of cyber threats.
Cost-Effective Hardware and Managed Services with Defenxor Intelligence Security Integrator (DISI)
DISI enables businesses to acquire security hardware with flexible financing options, converting high CAPEX investments into manageable OPEX. Through an extensive network of distributors, DISI offers competitive prices on hardware. Furthermore, the solution comes bundled with managed security services, ensuring businesses have the support they need to monitor and manage their systems effectively.
DISI provides certified engineers to assist with installation and ensure optimal deployment of security devices.
Top Off Your Cybersecurity Strategy with DBVisit’s StandbyMP
A strong cybersecurity framework is incomplete without a disaster recovery solution.
DBVisit’s StandbyMP offers a seamless, cost-effective disaster recovery solution that integrates easily into your existing infrastructure, allowing for fast failover and minimal downtime.
Here’s how StandbyMP enhances your disaster recovery capabilities.
Affordable Data Guard-like Features Without High Costs
StandbyMP offers similar functionality to Oracle Data Guard, but at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Effortless Deployment in Any Environment
The solution integrates effortlessly into existing infrastructure, making deployment quick and straightforward.
Mission-Critical Data Protection
StandbyMP ensures the continuous protection of critical business data with real-time updates and secure failover capabilities.
Granular Control with Command Line Interface
The comprehensive command line interface allows IT teams to manage, control, and customize disaster recovery operations to meet their specific needs.
Your Cybersecurity Shield Awaits
As an authorized partner of Defenxor and DBVisit, Computrade Technology Malaysia (CTM) provides unparalleled support from consultation to deployment, ensuring that your business is equipped with top-tier cybersecurity solutions. Backed by a team of certified IT professionals, CTM guides you through the process, helping you strengthen your digital defenses and protect your most valuable assets.
Take the next step in safeguarding your business today. Schedule a free consultation with our experts and discover how CTM can tailor a solution to meet your cybersecurity needs. Click here to get started!
Author: Danurdhara Suluh Prasasta
Content Writer Intern CTI Group
