International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia

Pendekar Siber (Cyber Warrior): Empowering youth to combat cyber threats

‘Pendekar Siber’ in the Malay language means a cyber warrior (a computer expert engaged in the defence of information systems against cyber-attacks). It refers to an educational program to teach youth to empower themselves and their peers to be capable of combatting cyber threats. Such threats are on the rise especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and movement control orders (MCO). Although MCO had been lifted and schools were reopened, children are still reliant on gadgets to play online games, and to interact on social media. Some of them cannot be separated from these online activities to the extent of neglecting their studies which also affect their physical and mental health.

As we are moving towards digitalization of education, and our young generation will depend heavily on the Internet, we need to highlight the role of young people to address these threats. Pendekar Siber does not only empower youth in cybersecurity but also promotes careers in cybersecurity.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Empowering youth to combat cyber threats and crimes through a whole community approach.
2. Everyone has a potential to be a cyber security expert given exposure and training.
3. We need cyber heroes to make the cyber space a better place.