PN tells government to end investigation into youths who exposed student platform cybersecurity flaw
The Nationalist Party has called on the government to end an investigation into students who had exposed a security weakness in the student app. FreeHour .The students had, in 2023, found a vulnerability which they say could be exploited by hackers.I
The Nationalist Party has called on the government to end an investigation into students who had exposed a security weakness in the student app. FreeHour .
The students had, in 2023, found a vulnerability which they say could be exploited by hackers.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Nationalist Party said: "The more time passes, it becomes increasingly clear how negligent the government is with the talent of Maltese and Gozitan youth. The government failed to seize the opportunity for Malta to participate in the European Cybersecurity Challenges, which will take place in Turin and gather the brightest young minds in cybersecurity from across Europe and beyond."
"The Maltese students who won the national cybersecurity challenge organized by MITA earlier this year are now being denied the opportunity to represent Malta. These young individuals, who demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, became the subject of an investigation in April 2023 when they responsibly reported a security vulnerability they discovered on Malta's main student digital platform," the PN said.
"They found themselves under police scrutiny, with their devices confiscated. The government's handling of this situation is indicative of a far more worrying deficiency. Firstly, the students were informed too late that they could not represent Malta after they had already won the national challenge. Secondly, the prolonged investigation has left these talented youths in limbo, casting doubts on their enthusiasm for cybersecurity. Thirdly, the lack of a National Cybersecurity Policy means that there is no framework to support and foster digital innovation in Malta and Gozo."
As a result of this bitter experience, many students have lost their drive to engage in the digital space, putting Malta's potential in a field essential to our economic future at risk, the party said. "We cannot allow fear to stifle innovation. The Nationalist Party urges the government to close this saga as quickly as possible. It is imperative that a comprehensive Cybersecurity Policy is delivered swiftly to create an environment where our youth can flourish."
"The world is evolving rapidly, and our youth must be encouraged to adapt to the digital future. Not only regarding cybersecurity, but also with regards to providing the necessary tools to the next generation, so that they can succeed in an ever-changing scenario. Malta's future depends on this. Let's not miss this opportunity to empower our youth and showcase Maltese talent on an international stage."
The PN statement was signed by PN's Shadow Minister for Work Ivan J. Bartolo and the PN's Shadow Minister for youths Bernice Bonello.
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