Singapore launches its Cybersecurity strategy

Singapore:Singapore on Monday launched its cybersecurity strategy which outlines how the country would continue to strengthen resilience of its cybersecurity.

The strategy was launched by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the opening of the inaugural Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW), Xinhua news agency reported.

"While Information and communications technology (ICT) brings about opportunities, it also make us vulnerable," Lee said.

He said cyber threats and attacks were becoming more frequent and sophisticated with more severe consequences due to which Singapore needs to coordinate efforts and develop a strategy on cybersecurity.

Lee said the strategy has four key components, namely building a resilient infrastructure, creating a safer cyberspace, developing a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem and strengthening international partnerships.

On critical infrastructure, he elaborated that Singapore would invest more of the ICT budget to strengthen the government system and networks, especially those that handle sensitive data.

The operators of essential services will develop robust cyber risk management frameworks and responses.

Lee revealed that the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) would work together with the businesses and individuals. It would issue regular advisories to businesses on imminent cyber-attacks and emerging cyber threats, and the authority will also provide technical guides and self-help cybersecurity checklist.

He said Singapore is growing cybersecurity capabilities with a series of programmes to train more cybersecurity professionals.