PETALING JAYA: Asset awareness is critical for mitigating potential risks and enhancing cybersecurity infrastructure, especially in the energy sector, according to an expert.

       Ernst & Young Asean cybersecurity energy leader Jaco Benadie said recognising the importance of this mantra, energy organisations including in Malaysia are propelled to strengthen their defences, assuring the security of their crucial infrastructure.

       “In the event of a cyber attack, a clear inventory of assets facilitates a significantly improved incident response. It enables prompt identification of compromised systems, allowing them to be isolated and remedied promptly.

       “Such a swift response greatly minimises the impact of the attack and prevents system-wide compromise,” he told StarBiz.

       He said an enhanced approach to risk management is born from understanding the assets within a company’s operational technology (OT) network.

       Recognising the levels of criticality for each asset allows organisations to prioritise investments and mitigation efforts towards securing high-risk systems, he said.

       Benadie said by following this targeted approach, resources are effectively utilised, consequently reducing potential risks and financial losses.

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       “Establishing and maintaining robust access controls within one’s OT network also extensively benefit from asset tracking.

       “Appreciating sensitive or mission-critical assets allows for implementing suitable authentication mechanisms and access controls, thus deterring unauthorised access and reducing the chances of internal threats.”