Reported by StarEdu on 1st December 2024.

Taking first and second place respectively, teams B1ngChilling and Pleiades made Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) proud, while Malaya Hunter from Universiti Malaya claimed third prize in the 2nd PwC Malaysia Capture the Flag (CTF) “Hack A Day” competition on Nov 11.

The winners of the Malaysian leg of the competition received an array of prizes, including gadgets and accessories, job placements within PwC Malaysia’s digital trust and cybersecurity practice, and sponsorships for the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification or the CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) examination.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, PwC Malaysia brought together more than 300 students from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand for the second edition of the competition to foster the development of future cybersecurity professionals.

Supported by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), the cross-border challenge adopted the theme “Securing Identity” to highlight the importance of protecting personal and digital identities in an interconnected world.

The theme, according to the press release, is particularly relevant in Malaysia, where the implications posed by the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the introduction of digital infrastructure like MyDigital ID have heightened the need for robust identity protection measures.

Hosted by APU, the competition offered students a unique opportunity to engage with AI tools, compete with regional peers, and test their skills and knowledge across seven hacking categories.

In his speech, NACSA chief executive Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said “Hack A Day” narrows the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills by creating a space where students can apply academic knowledge to practical scenarios.

“With the Cyber Security Act 2024, which came into force last August, we are prioritising the protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure,” he said, adding that NACSA is committed not only to strengthening cybersecurity within Malaysia but also to fostering regional security.

“Our role as Overall Coordinator for the Asean Regional Computer Emergency Response Team for 2024/2025 highlights our dedication to this mission and reflects regional recognition of the need for a skilled, capable workforce.

“This recognition extends to our private sector partners, who can deepen their engagement with academic institutions to nurture the expertise needed to meet emerging cyber threats,” he said.

CSM chief executive officer Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab noted that competitions such as “Hack A Day” provide a vital platform for Malaysian cybersecurity talents to test their technical capabilities and critical thinking skills in real time.

“I look forward to seeing more universities engage in private sector-led initiatives like this, which help build a community of talents that can contribute to the nation’s cybersecurity future.

“We need a whole-of-society approach to enhance Malaysia’s cybersecurity ecosystem, with businesses, academia and the government as critical stakeholders,” he said.

PwC Malaysia managing partner Soo Hoo Khoon Yean commended the participants. He said “Hack A Day” once again unveiled an impressive array of up-and-coming cyber talents, showcasing their breadth of skills and innovative thinking.

This, he said, highlights the potential of youths and reinforces PwC’s commitment to nurturing and investing in the next generation of cybersecurity professionals who are technically sound with strong business acumen.

He added that the need to invest in cybersecurity and operational resilience has never been more urgent in response to recent regulatory developments, such as the Cyber Security Bill and the Securities Commission Malaysia’s Guidelines on Technology Risk Management.

“We are committed to closing the cyber skills gap through continued dialogue and collaborations with the public sector in line with efforts to develop the cyber threat intelligence landscape in Malaysia,” he said.

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