In the latest Global Cybersecurity Index 2014, two Southeast Asian countries are listed with the highest level of commitment to cyber security.
The survey by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) rated Singapore as top in the world based on its legal, technical and organisational institutions, educational and research capabilities and cooperation in information-sharing networks.Meanwhile, Malaysia is ranked third among 193 countries, behind Singapore and the United States.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is ranked third among 193 countries, behind Singapore and the United States.
The report cited Malaysia's creation of the Information Security Certification Body, a department in Cybersecurity Malaysia, as one of the reasons behind its excellent commitment in ensuring a safe cyberspace.
This is the second time the International Telecommunication Union has conducted such a study in which the previous one was done in 2014 and produced in early 2015.Countries in the top 10 include Oman, Estonia, Mauritius, Australia, Georgia, France and Canada.
Countries in the top 10 include Oman, Estonia, Mauritius, Australia, Georgia, France and Canada.
The GCI is a survey that measures the commitment of 193 member states to cybersecurity. It assesses a country based on five pillars, namely legal, technical, organisational, capacity building, and cooperation.
Launched in 2014, the GCI aims to foster a global culture of cybersecurity. According to the report, nearly 1% of all emails sent in 2016 were malicious attacks.
Ransomware attackers are demanding more from victims, with the average rising to US$1,000 from just US$300 a year before.
In May, the ransomware WannaCry wreaked havoc across 150 countries, causing disruption to companies and even hospitals.
Just a few weeks later in June, another ransomware called NoPetra broke out in Europe, crippling thousands of machines. The report called for greater cooperation around the world to fend off and prevent such attacks.
The top ten countries are:
1. Singapore (GCI score of 0.92)
2. United States (0.91)
3. Malaysia (0.89)
4. Oman (0.87)
5. Estonia (0.84)
6. Mauritius (0.82)
7. Australia (0.82)
8. Georgia (0.81)
9. France (0.81)
10. Canada (0.81)
Source : The Star Online, Channel NewsAsia
