Cybersecurity masterplan launched

Cyber-attacks comprise one-fifth of overall crime in the Lion City.

Senior Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean unveiled new cybersecurity measures on Tuesday as Singapore faces an increase in cybercrime attacks.

Also read: MAS intensifies bout against cyberthreats for FIs 

In his address to the 2019 Singapore International Cyber Week, Teo stated that an OT Cybersecurity Masterplan has been developed by the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) to the security of the operational technology (OT) systems that oversee the country’s water, power, and transportation services.

From May to July last year, hackers stole the personal data of 1.5 million SingHealth patients, prompting a CSA investigation which revealed network vulnerabilities and staff inadequacy to prevent such an attack.

Also read: Singaporeans’ stolen data exposed to identity and tax fraud 

The Masterplan will train additional OT professionals and establish an information and analysis centre with the Global Resilience Federation.

The CSA has also been working with the National Cyber Security Centre and the Netherlands’ Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy to secure the current Internet-of-Things (IoT) landscape and evaluate IoT devices in Singapore.

In addition, Teo announced the launch of the Vulnerability Disclosure Programme which will allow the public to report vulnerabilities on the government’s online system or applications.