Cybersecurity and data protection are of paramount importance for the public and private sectors with regard to business expansion and defence against cyberthreats, says the Digital Economy and Society Ministry.
Cyber-attacks are a crucial risk that warrant continuous monitoring and preparation because this type of threat can emerge at any time, said Digital Economy and Society Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj.
There are seven sectors that serve as the country's core infrastructure and are prone to information hacking, Mr Pichet said, namely banking, energy, transport, telecom, public health, defence and public services.
The banking sector could be the first sector targeted by hackers because of how certain information can be accessed easily, he said, reiterating that all mentioned sectors could experience cyber-attacks if the organisations involved lack caution or well-prepared contingency plans.
In Thailand, about 200 computers of state enterprises and businesses were hit in the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017. The assault appeared to target computers running Microsoft Windows and exploited a vulnerability in the operating system. The attackers locked the user's files until a ransom payment was made.
The ministry has rolled out the Cybersecurity Act and Personal Data Protection Law, which have been enforced since May, to clarify the use of personal data by businesses and to safeguard against cyber-attacks.
Critics say the broad and vague language in the Cybersecurity Act may give the military government powers to seize data and electronic equipment without proper legal oversight.
Mr Pichet previously insisted that the cybersecurity bill was not designed to allow authorities to intrude on people's private lives or gain access to their information.
Stock Exchange of Thailand president Pakorn Peetathawatchai said the bourse has placed importance on cyberthreat monitoring and cybersecurity defence.
