Amid growing concerns over increasingly complex cyber threats, Brunei Darussalam is intensifying its national cybersecurity efforts to protect digital systems and safeguard the nation’s collective well-being.
This was addressed by Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha at the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council (LegCo) Session yesterday.
He was responding to a query from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof on measures to prevent digital system intrusions.
The minister emphasised the need for vigilance from all sectors, noting that “cybersecurity is now widely recognised as a shared responsibility, with all stakeholders expected to play a role in defending against digital intrusions.”
He added that in recent years, the Southeast Asia region has witnessed an unprecedented wave of cyberattacks targeting critical sectors. “In today’s rapidly evolving digital era, cybersecurity is no longer optional. It is a strategic necessity to preserve national stability, security, and sovereignty,” he said.
The minister noted that boosting Brunei’s national preparedness involves a multi-faceted approach, spearheaded by bodies such as Cyber Security Brunei.
“Key priorities include protecting the country’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), with measures having already been taken to ensure that these infrastructures are designed and built with resilience in mind,” he said. Government systems responsible for delivering public services are also classified as critical infrastructure.
To address vulnerabilities, various national technical projects have been initiated, including the installation of firewalls, Multi-Factor Authentication, and Enhanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions.
He also highlighted the key role of the Cyber Watch Centre in monitoring potential threats, while the Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team (BruCERT) is tasked with handling cybersecurity incidents and conducting regular cyber drills.
(News source: Borneo Bulletin)
