THE National Security Council and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) would cooperate with cybersecurity experts to protect the country against cyberattacks, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said, after such an attack on the Social Security Organisation (Socso) yesterday.

“We are strengthening our cybersecurity.

“There was also a decision for the National Security Council and MCMC to work closely with cybersecurity firms capable of helping and protecting the country against threats and disruptions in the future,” he told reporters at the Madani Government One Year Anniversary at Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.

Socso in a statement yesterday confirmed its system, information base and website were hacked on December 2.

Socso activated its crisis management plan on the same day and mobilised a system recovery.

It said the initial modus operandi of the cyberattack was identified as an attempt to collapse the infrastructure Socso uses for daily operations.

When commenting on leaked information displayed on the dark web, Socso said the authenticity of the data stolen by the hacker was highly doubtful, incomplete and expired.

“These irresponsible hackers launched attacks on matters pertaining to the country’s interests.

“All forensic results will be shared with authorities to avoid the recurrence of similar episodes against other agencies,” Socso said. – December 9, 2023.