Malaysian government agencies have been told to prepare for potential cyber attacks after an online group put up a video accusing the authorities of not strengthening its weak cybersecurity system following incidents of data breaches.
The National Security Council announced in a statement today that all agencies have been notified and were on guard against any attacks. The online group of hackers-slash-activists calling themselves Anonymous Malaysia rose from the ashes after five years of silence yesterday, saying that Malaysia’s cybersecurity was still at risk of being hacked.
“The NSC has notified government agencies to prepare for cyber-attacks and minimize the potential threats,” the statement said, adding: “We are working with the police to coordinate the next relevant steps.”
Malaysia’s networks have been compromised in recent years with data breaches at several telcos. The country’s Armed Forces website was hacked just last month.
Anonymous Malaysia last targeted the government in 2015, when it threatened to hack the anti-graft agency’s website and several other platforms if the then prime minister Najib Razak did not resign. The latest video focused on the purported lack of action to safeguard the country’s cyber defense and also hinted on the plight of government coders.
“Your security system is low, all data may be leaked,” the voice behind the group’s signature Guy Fawkes mask said, reading from a poorly-written script. “This can cause unwanted hackers selling all information.”
It later added: “Cause of government didn’t support and developer team don’t take ownership of their code, they don’t actively seek to grow their abilities, they’re not curious about new horizons.”
The clip opened with the Ain’t No Grave track by LA band Hidden Citizens and a sci-fi scene of a red cube dropping and illuminating what looks like the face of Guy Fawkes on a motherboard.
The video caption, which used the #OpsWakeUp21 hashtag said: “Hello, Malaysian. This is a wake-up call for the government of Malaysia. It’s have been a long time that we are silent, It’s time open your eyes. Be prepared. We are legion, We do not Forgive, We do not Forget, Expect US!”
There is still no word on who is behind the Malaysian branch of the global Anonymous network, which has over 600,000 followers on Facebook. Some welcomed their return today, including those asking whether Anonymous could help hack into bank accounts or clear loans digitally.
“No wonder scammers find it easy to work here, because our cyber security system is flawed,” someone named Iezz Shah.
“Hope they accidentally transfer huge amount of money in my bank account,” @Taufiqimazaa wrote online.
“Anonymous Malaysia erase my PTPTN debt,” @TehlohSuwi tweeted today.
https://twitter.com/anonymalaysia/status/1353689443270422528
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