M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
A cybersecurity expert, Nagesh Maha, was shocked by the news that the new PADU system could be hacked or attacked. He was one of the pioneers in facial recognition systems and other high-tech software in Cyberjaya 15 years ago.
“It is the responsibility of the Government to ensure that the data is secure under the Privacy Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2.0. The various departments could have avoided this by using basic security policies, utilising biometrics for onboarding, and implementing robust security policies.
“Conducting thorough stress and penetration tests are excellent strategies to prevent security breaches in handling public national ID data,” said Nagesh.
Now, his company, Matrix IOT Solutions Sdn Bhd, offers SCADA and HMI solutions and security solutions to SMEs in Malaysia.
He outlined a more detailed approach incorporating the human interface elements. Nagesh added that the Government could have used Multi-Modal Biometrics methods. “For example, implement solutions that combine different biometric factors (e.g., fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans) for more robust authentication and accuracy.
“Malaysia is a haven for biometric security, especially fingerprint, as they are pioneers in implementing biometrics in their national ID. We had developed a system with seamless authentication of the person in front of the PC or Laptop in 2010 by using Face Recognition; it is high time we start using this kind of device to avoid mishaps.” Nagesh added.
When Nagesh tried to market the facial recognition system in Malaysia in 2007, the market was not ready. However, Nagesh did a pilot facial recognition system from Cyberjaya for access (security) control in the armoury of the Sri Lankan Defence Force.
"We were ahead of technology acceptance at that time. The Malaysian market was unprepared for this innovation in 2007 because the IT industry followed world leaders like the US and China. It came into maximum usage and acceptance when the iPhone started using facial recognition"
On implementing the PADU system, Nagesh said the Government could have developed and enforced clear policies regarding collecting, storing, and processing national ID data. However, ensuring that all employees are aware of and adhere to these policies is more critical.
“Testing and performing thorough stress tests to assess the system's robustness under high loads must be done. Additionally, conduct penetration tests to identify and address vulnerabilities in the system.
“At the same time, there is a need to implement end-to-end encryption data during transmission and storage to safeguard it from unauthorised access, and a proper Audit trail is maintained. Establishing a continuous monitoring system to identify and address emerging security threats is also crucial. By integrating these strategies, they could have created a robust framework for preventing security breaches,” said Nagesh, who has also authored a bestseller, “Is Your Computer Safe?” which outlines the security policies for SMEs and corporations.
Nagesh also received the Indian Express CEO of the Year award in India in 1999. Nagesh invested in software development in Malaysia 22 years ago.
The IT expert's investment in Malaysia was accidental during his transit to Singapore to form an IT company on the island in 2001. Nagesh was in Malaysia and fortuitously met MDEC officials who invited him to apply for MSC status in Malaysia.
"I was impressed with the incentives and decided to stop in Malaysia and not go to Singapore. Things turned out well with a Malaysian partner to develop security software,” said Nagesh, who is willing to lend a helping hand in troubleshooting any cyber problems the government is facing. He can be reached at nagesh@matrix-iot.com.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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