Cybercrime in Malta’s Financial Industry on the Rise: Stakeholders Urged to Take Action
Warning Issued by Chair of Malta Bankers’ Association
Marcel Cassar, Chair of the Malta Bankers’ Association (MBA) and CEO of APS Bank Plc, has sounded a stark warning about the growing threat of cybercrime in Malta’s financial industry. Speaking at the MBA’s recent conference on cyber risk in the banking sector, Cassar emphasized that all relevant stakeholders must take action to protect banks and financial systems from cyber threats.
Five Principles for Effective Risk Management
Cassar highlighted the importance of anticipating, educating, detecting, reacting, and being resilient in the face of cyber attacks. He noted that these five principles are essential to any effective risk management solution:
- Anticipate potential threats
- Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices
- Detect and respond quickly to incidents
- React to changing threat landscapes
- Be resilient in the face of cyber attacks
MFSA’s Vision for Risk Mitigation
Daniela Bagnaschi, Head of Data Management and Business Intelligence at the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), elaborated on the MFSA’s vision for risk mitigation in the cyberspace. She emphasized the importance of the People-Process-Technology triad and its impact on the cyber resilience framework of regulated entities.
Wider Stakeholder Involvement Needed
The event was attended by over 100 participants and was deemed a success by the MBA, which highlighted the need for wider stakeholder involvement in raising awareness about the various cyber risks facing the banking industry. The association’s Secretary-General, Karol Gabarretta, emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to mitigate these ever-growing and evolving risks.
Prioritizing Cybersecurity in Malta’s Financial Sector
The conference serves as a timely reminder of the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity in Malta’s financial sector, particularly at a time when the country is increasingly reliant on digital technologies to conduct business. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that stakeholders remain vigilant and proactive in their approach to combating cybercrime.
Conclusion
Cybercrime poses a significant systemic risk to the financial industry in Malta, and all relevant stakeholders must take action to protect banks and financial systems from cyber threats. By anticipating, educating, detecting, reacting, and being resilient in the face of cyber attacks, we can mitigate these risks and ensure the continued stability and security of our financial sector.