Bangkok:The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) has issued a warning to five key government agencies to brace for cyber threats, while collaborating with 14 technology companies to form a joint working group aimed at addressing these issues.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry has partnered with numerous technology companies and government agencies to enhance cybersecurity measures in response to an increase in sophisticated cyber-attacks using artificial intelligence (AI). The Ministry has urged five critical government sectors to prepare for potential crises by reviewing their business continuity plans and conducting crisis response exercises.
Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Chaiyanok Chidchob, announced the outcome of a meeting with representatives from eight government agencies and 14 private companies, including major technology providers such as Apple and Google. The talks highlighted the ongoing cyber threats faced by these companies and the need for integrated public-private cooperation. The meeting concluded with the formation of a joint working group to exchange information and coordinate responses to cyber threats, particularly during emergencies.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Pachara Anantasilsin, noted that following the Prime Minister's directive, the Ministry issued a notification on November 11th to central agencies involved in critical national systems across various sectors. The Ministry plans to hold further meetings with security agencies and the military to assess cybersecurity capabilities and develop additional measures with private sector input.
In terms of the financial system, while past cyberattack attempts have been managed, continuous improvement in preventive measures is necessary due to evolving technology and attack methods. On spyware alerts, it was revealed that Apple and Google have shared information about device and user account attack attempts. Apple clarified that alerts sent to users were based on technical data assessments, with no confirmation of successful attacks.
Mr. Chaiyanok emphasized the broader impact of cyber threats on public confidence in technology and the digital economy, advising the public to activate advanced security features and have their devices checked for malware. The joint efforts between the public and private sectors are deemed crucial for economic development and creating opportunities.