Brace for possible cyberattacks, NSC tells govt agencies after Anonymous threat

KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (NSC) has issued a notice for all government agencies to take precautionary measures against possible cyberattacks, following a threat by Anonymous Malaysia.

The hacker collective yesterday took to social media to post a two-minute video announcing that it is mulling a concerted attack, dubbed #OpsWakeUp21, on government websites and online assets.

In a statement today, NSC said its National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) “seriously views the threat to hack government websites through a viral video released by Anonymous Malaysia recently. Nacsa is currently cooperating with police to coordinate on the next course of action.”

Anonymous Malaysia said the video is a wake-up call to the government for allegedly not acting on the many data breaches and sales of netizens’ personal information over the years.

NSC said the government prioritises bolstering the security of its information and communications technology infrastructure and other critical systems, including improving the relevant officers’ knowledge and skills.

“This was clearly outlined in the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy launched in October 2020, where the strategies include actions to improve our ICT system, as well as other critical systems.”

Hello, Malaysian.
This is a wake-up call for the government of Malaysia.
It's have been a long time that we are silent.
Be prepared.
We are legion, We do not Forgive, We do not Forget, Expect US!#OpsWakeUp21https://t.co/QfhQfZ7pSQ

— Anonymous Malaysia (@anonymalaysia) January 25, 2021

Anonymous Malaysia first rose to “prominence” 10 years ago, when it took down 91 government websites after the country blocked and censored access to certain sites.

In 2015, the group demanded the resignation of then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak over administrative failures, and threatened an all-out internet warfare if he refused to step down.

It also threatened to blow up former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar’s vehicle the same year. – The Vibes, January 26, 2021