Kuala Lumpur  - More than 100 government officials and cyber security experts from around the world gathered Tuesday in Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur for a summit aimed at discussing policies to ensure tighter security on the internet.

"Just as there are malicious individuals bent on causing harm to societies and nations in the real world, governments around the world must prepare to deal with similar threats in cyberspace," said Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"The extent of harm that cyber-threats can pose to our societies and nations should never be underestimated.

"Any vulnerability can easily be exploited to bring about truly catastrophic consequences," he told delegates at the opening of the conference, which gathers delegates from more than 30 countries.

Hamadoun Toure, secretary-general of the UN's International Telecommunications Union (ITU), said there was an "urgent need" for governments around the world to work together in order to create greater internet security.

The threat of cyber terrorism was also very real in today's world, he said in his speech.

"Since the internet knows no national boundaries, no country acting alone can adequately protect itself from cyber threats," Abdullah said later.

"To effectively overcome this global threat, it is necessary for governments and countries throughout the world to work in concert."

Panelists and speakers at the two-day conference are expected to share the latest developments in cyber security, while participating governments would be sharing their efforts in promoting internet security, said organizers. (dpa)