The Telecommunications Association of Thailand (TCT) yesterday launched a centre to coordinate efforts to combat cyberthreats in the telecom industry and to serve as a venue for information-sharing about the issue.
The centre is called TTC-CERT, or Thailand Telecom Computer Emergency Response Team.
Some 18 million baht will be budgeted by the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund to the centre over the next three years.
The TCT plans to build a centralised data-sharing platform next August, which will serve as the main channel for its members to notify and get updates on cyberthreats as well as exchange related information with members of the public.
TCT president Vichaow Rakphongphairoj said TTC-CERT will also gather information about cyberthreats from other organisations, including the Thailand Banking Sector Computer Emergency Response Team (TB-CERT) and Thai Capital Market CERT (TCM-CERT).
This will foster collaboration in all core sectors, which play a crucial part in the country's digital economy.
TTC-CERT will also connect with the Thailand Computer Emergency Response Team (ThaiCert), which is operated by the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA).
The establishment of the TTC-CERT follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between nine members of TCT for cooperation. The nine comprise Advanced Wireless Network (AWN), DTAC Trinet, True Internet Corporation, TOT, CAT Telecom, Symphony Communication, CS Loxinfo, United Information Highway and Triple Three Broadband.
Mr Vichaow said the TTC-CERT will work on data exchange, a warning system and training activities, not only for TCT members, but also around 1,000 companies in telecom and ICT-related fields.
"While big enterprises in the telecom business sector, especially mobile operators, have strong measures and technical support in place in dealing with cyberthreats, the threats are increasingly sophisticated," said Mr Vichaow.
Cyberthreats include D-Dos, malware and ransomware, which could wreak havoc on digital platforms as well as telecom infrastructure, he said.
"The telecom is not just a business sector, but a fundamental infrastructure or foundation of communication for every sector," he said.
Samarn Takort, director of TTC-CERT, said the centre has two staff responsible for routine work and coordination with members.
They must work to ensure optimum benefits for all members and keep information secure, he said.
"TTC-CERT has to build trust among members," said Mr Samarn.