The government has ordered the strengthening of cybersecurity after hackers attacked control systems in several European countries, causing disruption to food supplies and critical services, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Chaiyapruek Duangprapat said today.
He said that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has already instructed the NSC to coordinate with the National Cyber Security Agency, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and other relevant agencies to increase the protection of data and systems against attack and exploitation.
The measures cover critical systems which, when under attack, would threaten national security, the economy and the people, he said, while noting that the measures are not to be taken as an indication that Thailand is facing an imminent attack.
The NSC chief also said that the prime minister has emphasised the importance of preparedness and prevention, instead of waiting for hackers to strike and then responding.
The European experience, he said, clearly shows that the damage from cyber attacks is not confined to data in computers, but can disrupt food supplies, health services, energy, transport and other public services. Therefore, the country’s critical infrastructure must be protected at all times.
The NSC, he continued, has sought cooperation from the private sector by asking them to review their cyber security, particularly concerning control and public service systems, plugging any loopholes, addressing risk and supporting the government’s efforts to defend against cyber attacks.
