Malaysia

Ensuring digital trust through strong PKI solutions in Malaysia

PKI, digital trust and electronic signatures in Malaysia

Since the introduction of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) in 1996, Malaysia has focused on establishing a framework for secure electronic transactions and the use of public key infrastructure (PKI) in the public sector.

Over 20 years later and the demand for PKI and digital trust solutions in both the private and public sectors in Malaysia has skyrocketed. Businesses are increasingly using these technologies to improve the security of transactions, reduce costs and enhance customer experiences.

Ascertia’s products and solutions have contributed to the development of digital trust in Malaysia, and it works with several industries, including:

  • Legal
  • Manufacturing
  • Telecommunications

Ascertia is committed to working with the Malaysia government and businesses to drive digital trust initiatives in the country. We are confident our solutions can help create a more secure, efficient, and transparent digital economy for all Malaysians.

Key Benefits

  • Enhanced cybersecurity

    Our PKI and digital signature solutions provide businesses and government agencies with a robust layer of security for online transactions and sensitive data. This helps protect against fraud, identity theft, and other cyber threats.

  • Improved transparency and digital trust

    Ascertia’s solutions help improve transparency and promote digital trust by providing a secure and reliable way to verify the authenticity of documents and the identity of senders and recipients. This can help encourage more businesses and consumers to adopt digital channels for their transactions.

  • Streamlining processes

    Our solutions can streamline a range of business processes, such as onboarding new clients, signing contracts, and managing digital identities. This can help to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Electronic and digital signature laws and regulations in Malaysia

Malaysia recognised the importance of establishing frameworks for digital trust early on, wanting to establish itself in the Information Age. This focus on creating a digital economy led to comprehensive frameworks governing the use of digital signatures and PKI.

Malaysia’s PKI, data privacy and electronic signature regulations and laws:

  • Digital Signature Act 1997 (DSA) – The DSA played a crucial role in promoting the adoption of digital signatures and PKI in the country. It establishes a legal framework for the issuance, use, and recognition of digital signatures, recognising them as legally equivalent to handwritten signatures for certain purposes. Digital signature usage includes the following:
    • Electronic contracts and agreements
    • Electronic documents for legal proceedings
    • Electronic filings with government agencies
  • Electronic Commerce Act 2006 (ECA) – The ECA was enacted to regulate the use of electronic messages in commercial transaction. This regulation recognises electronic messages as legal documents and allows them to be used to fulfil legal requirements. It also sets out rules for the attribution, content, time of dispatch, and time of receipt of electronic messages. The ECA has had a profound impact on digital signatures and PKI in the country. It has had a positive influence on the use of digital signatures and PKI, with their usage increasing significantly since it was established. Specific provisions in the ECA:
    • Section 9: Electronic signature – Defines an electronic signature as “data in electronic form that is attached to, or logically associated with an electronic message which is intended to be used by the signatory to sign the electronic message”. This definition is broad and covers a range of digital technologies, including PKI-based signatures and biometric signatures.
    • Section 10: Legal effect of electronic signatures – Explicitly states that electronic signatures are legally equivalent to handwritten signatures in commercial contracts.
    • Section 11: Use of electronic signature – Encourages businesses to use digital signatures to sign contracts because it reduces the risk of fraud and ensures their legality.
    • Section 12: Accreditation of certification authorities – A framework for the accreditation of CAs which is designed to ensure these authorities meet the highest standards of security and reliability.
    • Section 14: Use and acceptance of digital certificates – States that digital certificates are not invalid simply because they are issued by a non-accredited CA. It means businesses can use digital certificates by any CA, regardless of their accreditation status.

*The laws represented are correct at the time of writing

Why do Malaysian companies choose Ascertia?

Ascertia has emerged as the preferred choice for Malaysian government and businesses seeking robust digital trust solutions, digital signatures and PKI services. Ascertia’s comprehensive products and services, commitment to data security, and unwavering expertise have solidified our position as a trusted partner in Malaysia’s digital transformation journey.

Key factors driving Ascertia’s prominence in the country include our extensive global experience, tailored digital signature capabilities, robust PKI infrastructure, collaboration with government initiatives, and so much more. These attributes empower Malaysian companies to navigate the digital trust landscape with confidence and security, fostering a seamless and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

For more information about how Ascertia’s products and services can help meet your organisation’s requirements in Malaysia, please contact us.

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