Cybersecurity is not the responsibility of a few experts – it is the duty of all, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha.

He said this as the Minister-in-Charge of Cybersecurity, during the third Brunei Cyber Security Conference (CySec) 2025 yesterday.

“The conference has substantiated its importance by equipping participants with valuable information on emerging threats,” the minister said. “Updated knowledge enables us to better protect systems and counter cybercriminals effectively.”

He emphasised that cybersecurity is no longer confined to the technical domain, it is a societal responsibility. “To be cyber-smart is not just a technical skill. It is a mindset, a habit, and a shared responsibility,” he said.

Highlighting this year’s theme ‘Beyond Protection: Empowering a Cyber-Smart Society’ the minister noted that the focus must go beyond reactive measures such as firewalls and antivirus software. Instead, individuals must be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to make responsible decisions online.

Ransomware, data breaches, and disinformation campaigns, he warned, are increasingly sophisticated and have the potential to cripple organisations, erode public trust, and expose sensitive information – and Brunei, like other nations, is not immune to these threats.

“Reactive protection is no longer enough. Building resilience, cultivating awareness, and fostering the right habits are crucial,” he said.

The minister also outlined a series of initiatives in motion under Cyber Security Brunei (CSB), the national agency for cybersecurity, to safeguard Brunei’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII). Amongst these is the upcoming introduction of the Next-Generation Security Intel (NSI) platform, designed to strengthen monitoring, reporting, and oversight capabilities.

Additional guidelines are also being developed for CII owners, including Operational Technology Security Guidelines, Cloud Security Policy Guidelines, and updated Codes of Practice. These measures aim to ensure that Brunei’s digital infrastructure remains robust in the face of evolving risks.

The minister also highlighted collaborative efforts to combat online scams and fraud.

Central to this is the Anti-Scam Centre, operated by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) in partnership with CSB, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), and the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB).

RBPF launched the Anti-Scam Helpline 16993 last month – the first assistance call centre for victims or those who suspect fraudulent activity.

This complements Waspada.BN, an Instagram-based multi-agency fact-checking platform managed by AITI, which provides the public with real-time verification of scams and misinformation.

“These are examples of organisations being empowered to act. Even the smallest efforts make a big difference in protecting the public,” the minister said.

He also stressed that building a cyber-smart society requires sustained effort across multiple levels of society. At the societal level, he called for a culture of vigilance where everyone, from students to professionals, plays a role in cybersecurity.

Education, he added, is key – starting in schools and extending into workplaces and communities. Age-appropriate programmes should focus on practical skills such as recognising phishing scams, managing passwords, safeguarding personal data, and reporting suspicious activity.

Collaboration remains central to this vision, and government, industry, academia, and the public must share threat intelligence, adopt best practices, and work together on incident responses.

Beyond protection, the minister reminded participants of the broader benefits of cybersecurity. He noted that a cyber-smart population is less likely to fall victim to cyberattacks, thereby reducing risks while also strengthening Brunei’s digital economy.

“A secure digital environment fosters innovation, investment, and growth. Businesses will feel more confident to operate online, and consumers will be more willing to engage in e-commerce. Trust in the digital space also ensures that people feel safe to access vital services online,” he explained.

The minister also urged participants to use the platform to share insights, forge connections, and turn knowledge into action.

“These events bring together experts to share knowledge, explore new technologies, and strengthen defence strategies against evolving cyber threats. They are essential in building resilience,” he said.

“Let us build a future where cybersecurity empowers progress for all. The digital frontier demands our vigilance, innovation, and collective action,” he added. – Lyna Mohamad

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin