Singapore has launched its Cybersecurity Strategy, which sets out the country’s vision, goals and priorities in the area of cybersecurity and outlines the country’s commitment to build a resilient and trusted cyber environment for Singapore and Singaporeans. Cybersecurity is a key enabler for Singapore’s digitally-enabled economy and society.
Announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the opening of the inaugural Singapore International Cyber Week, the strategy, developed by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, was created after a consultation process with 50 stakeholdersover the past year.
“Our government networks are regularly probed and sometimes attacked,” said Prime Minister Lee.“We have experienced phishing, intrusions, and malware. From time to time, our systems have been compromised. Websites have been defaced. We have also suffered concerted DDOS attacks that have sought to bring our systems down.”
PM Lee says the national cybersecurity strategy will have four key components, namely:
- Building a Resilient Infrastructure;
- Creating a Safer Cyberspace;
- Developing a Vibrant Cybersecurity Ecosystem; and
- Strengthening International Partnerships
Building a Resilient Infrastructure
A key focus of the Strategy is to ensure that Singapore’s essential services are protected. The Government will work with key stakeholders, including private sector operators and the cybersecurity community, to strengthen the resilience of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) that supports these essential services.
The Government will establish robust and systematic cyber risk management processes, as well as response and recovery plans, across all critical sectors. To do so, it is necessary to grow a culture of cyber-risk awareness across CIIs. The increased adoption of Security-by-Design practices to address cybersecurity issues across the supply chain will remain an important focus. A new Cybersecurity Act will also be introduced in 2017, to provide a comprehensive legal framework for national cybersecurity.
Creating a Safer Cyberspace
Cyber technology can enable and empower business and society, but only if it is safe and trustworthy. To realise its benefits, businesses and individuals must stay safe in cyberspace.
The Strategy outlines efforts by various agencies to combat cybercrime and to enhance Singapore’s standing as a trusted data hub. These initiatives include the National Cybercrime Action Plan, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in July 2016. However, the Government cannot tackle cybersecurity challenges alone. To promote collective responsibility for cybersecurity, communities and business associations should play their part by fostering their members’ understanding of cybersecurity issues and promoting the adoption of good practices.
Developing a Vibrant Cybersecurity Ecosystem
A vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem will provide a sustainable source of expertise and capabilities for resilient infrastructure and a safer cyberspace. It will also bring Singapore to the forefront of cybersecurity innovation and create economic opportunities for Singaporeans. The Government will collaborate with industry partners and Institutes of Higher Learning to grow the cybersecurity workforce.
Scholarship programmes and industry-oriented curriculums will be introduced, while up-skilling and re-skilling opportunities for mid-career professionals will be provided through initiatives such as the Cyber Security Associates and Technologists Programme. The Government will also partner the private sector and academia to develop technologically-advanced companies, nurture local start-ups, and harness Research & Development (R&D).
Strengthening International Partnerships
Cyber threats are borderless, and Singapore is committed to strong international collaboration for our collective global security. Singapore will actively cooperate with the international community, particularly ASEAN, to address transnational cybersecurity and cybercrime issues.
Singapore will also champion initiatives for cyber capacity building, as well as facilitate global exchanges on cyber norms, policy and legislation. The Singapore International Cyber Week and ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity are examples of platforms to promote such exchanges.
“Singapore aspires to be a Smart Nation. But to be a Smart nation, we must also be a safe, cyber nation. The potential of ICT and digital technologies depends on how much we can trust the internet and cyberspace.
“We have got to get cybersecurity right, to capture the benefits of a more connected world. This is why cybersecurity is an issue of national importance. We must put the systems and defences in place to ensure our cybersecurity. Only then, can IT deliver innovation, growth and prosperity for our businesses and citizens,” said PM Lee.
Not just a technology issue
Commenting on the launch of the Cybersecurity Strategy, Foo Siang-tse, Managing Director at Quann, a managed security services provider, says that the government’s moves to strengthen the ecosystem through a holistic approach to manpower development and supporting the private sector in capacity building will go a long way in providing the foundation to securing Singapore as a Smart Nation.
“Cybersecurity is not just a technology issue - addressing the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the private and public sector, to develop cyber-security talent,” said Foo.
According to Foo, Quann has been working closely with Government agencies to develop cybersecurity talent for a few years – both as part of the IDA-led Company-Led Training (CLT) Programme (the precursor to CSAT) and the new Cybersecurity Associates and Technologists (CSAT) Programme.
“Quann will provide on-the-job training programmes to over 100 fresh graduates as well as mid-career professionals in the cybersecurity field. We will provide opportunities and career pathways for them within Quann, in roles such as security analysts, threat analysts, research and development professionals, and penetration testers, across our Singapore and regional offices.”