Brunei Darussalam's E-Government Strategy in Overcoming Cyber Threats

Abstract

<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>E</span><span lang="EN-US">-Government is a government administration system that plays a vital role in the international global communication, and greatly determines the progress of a state. However, the government administration system that utilizes Information and Communication Technology may be exposed to threats, especially threats originating from cyberspace. This research was carried out with the aim to analyze Brunei Darussalam's E-Government strategy in overcoming cyber threats. This study uses descriptive qualitative research methods accompanied by data obtained from the presentations and interviews during the overseas field study visits in Brunei Darussalam by the representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT), IT Protective Security Services (ITPSS), and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of Brunei Darussalam, as part of a research related to Brunei Darussalam's e-Government strategy in overcoming cyber threats. The results of this study indicate that the Brunei Darussalam’s e-Government strategy in overcoming cyber threats was carried out by focusing on citizen-centric service delivery in stages. It begins with the establishment of a law on computer abuse in 2000, followed by the establishment of Brunei National Computer Emergency Response Team (BruCERT) in 2004, introduction of Internet Ethics and Cyber Security Awareness Program in 2009, and the development of a national cyber security framework in 2014. All are integrated into a common policy coined as Brunei Insight 2035. This can be an input for the implementation of e-Government in Indonesia, in order to improve the equality and openness of access to information and communication in Indonesia, without neglecting the principles of security and comfort in communicating and obtaining information.</span></span></span></p>

Jurisdiction Issues in Cyberspace: An Overview in Respect of Brunei and Malaysia Compared to The United States’ System

“…ITPSS consists of a team of experts in information and cyber security and an experienced management team who are certified with security qualifications. (Bhirowo M., 2018) Subsequently, ITPSS is also responsible for handling the Brunei Computer Emergency Response Team founded in 2004. It is a Brunei Darussalam referral agency for dealing with Internet threats and computer security problems.…”

“…The initiative began holding seminars for students, professors, and parents of students in local educational institutions in 2009. (Bhirowo M., 2018) Brunei Darussalam was the first country in the region to adopt a Child Online Protection Framework, based on the International Telecommunication Union's (ITU) Child Online Protection Initiative in 2013. Such a framework is required for coordinating the actions of stakeholder agencies to ensure that the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure child safety online when children and young people are increasingly using social media to communicate and are becoming vulnerable to cyberbullying, harassment, and sexual predators.…”

“…It aims to provide a comprehensive framework for managing cyber security at the national level. (Bhirowo M., 2018) The The procurement of more advanced C4SI equipment as part of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' continuing modernization would render military infrastructure and assets more vulnerable to cyber-attacks by integrating net-centric weapon and communication systems. As a precaution measure, the Ministry of Defence has designated two (2) units to lead cybersecurity efforts: the Defence Security Branch for policy enforcement and the Defence Information Technology Unit for technical and operational procedures, with a proposal to create a dedicated Cyber Defence Unit to integrate all military cyber security components and standard operating procedures.…”