Cyber Security Agency (Singapore)

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) is a government agency of Singapore nominally under the Prime Minister's Office, but is day-to-day administratively managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI). It provides centralised oversight of national cyber security functions, and works with sector leads to protect Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), such as the energy and banking sectors.[2] Formed on 1 April 2015, the agency also engages with various industries and stakeholders to heighten cyber security awareness as well as to ensure the development of Singapore's cyber security. It is headed by the Commissioner of Cybersecurity, David Koh.[3] The Minister-in-charge is Josephine Teo of MCI.[4]

Cyber Security Agency of Singapore
Agency overview
Formed1 April 2015 (2015-04-01)
JurisdictionGovernment of Singapore
Headquarters5 Maxwell Road, #03-00, Tower Block, MND Complex, Singapore 069110
Minister responsible
Agency executive
  • David Koh[1], Commissioner of Cybersecurity and Chief Executive
Parent agencyPrime Minister's Office (nominal)
Ministry of Communications and Information (day-to-day administration)
Websitewww.csa.gov.sg

History and overview

The Cyber Security Agency took over the functions previously carried out by the Singapore Infocomm Technology Security Authority (SITSA), under the Ministry of Home Affairs. SITSA was set up in 2009 as the national specialist authority overseeing operational IT security.

The CSA also took over some roles undertaken by the then-Infocomm Development of Authority (IDA) such as the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), which facilitates the detection, resolution and prevention of security-related incidents on the Internet.

The agency builds upon the government's cyber security capabilities, which include strategy and policy development, cyber security operations, industry development and outreach; as well as public communications and engagement.

It has organised events such as the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) in 2016, with over 5,000 attendees from close to 50 countries. The SICW also saw the launch of Singapore's Cybersecurity Strategy. The second edition of the SICW will be held from 18 to 21 September 2017. Singapore will also host the 2nd ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity this year.

Singapore's Cybersecurity Strategy

In October 2016, then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched Singapore's Cybersecurity Strategy with the aim to create a resilient and trusted cyber environment for Singapore. Four pillars underpinned the strategy:

  • Building a Resilient Infrastructure
  • Creating a Safer Cyberspace
  • Developing a Vibrant Cybersecurity Ecosystem
  • Strengthening International Partnerships

Singapore's revised goals were outlined in the Singapore Cybersecurity Strategy 2021. [5] As a result, Singapore's cybersecurity plan, which was originally implemented in 2016, was reviewed and updated.

Cutting off internet access

In 2016, as part of Singapore's Cybersecurity Strategy, it was announced that internet access of civil servants' work station will be cut-off. David Koh, chief executive of the then-newly formed agency, said officials realised there was too much data to secure and "there is no way to secure this because the attack surface is like a building with a zillion windows, doors, fire escapes".[6]

Security experts commented that the move may only raise the defense against cyber attack slightly but risk damaging productivity of civil servants and those working at more than four dozen statutory boards, and cutting them off from the people they serve.[6]

Singapore's Cybersecurity Programmes

Singapore Cyber Security Agency has launched various programmes to support its strategy, including:[7]

  • CSA Common Criteria
  • CSAT Programme
  • Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme [8]
  • Cybersecurity Career Mentoring Programme
  • Cybersecurity Co-innovation and Development Fund
  • ICE71 [9]
  • PSG Cybersecurity Solutions
  • SG Cyber Safe Seniors
  • SG Cyber Safe Students
  • SG Cyber Talent.[10] These initiatives include:
    1. Cyber Security Associates and Technologists (CSAT) programme with Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA);
    2. Cybersecurity Career Mentoring programme with the Singapore Computer Society (SCS);
    3. SG Cyber Women initiative;[11][12]
    4. SG Cyber Educators Programme; and
    5. SG Cyber Youth Programme.
  • SG Cyber Safe Programme. [13]

See also

References
  1. "Internet 'was not designed for safety': Cyber Security Agency chief". Channel News Asia. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  2. "FAQ". Cyber Security Agency. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  3. "Senior leaders have key role in cyber security: Commissioner". The Straits Times. 15 November 2018. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  4. Lin, Cheryl (23 April 2021). "Cabinet reshuffle: Josephine Teo to head Smart Nation Initiative; new roles for political office holders". CNA. Retrieved 28 May 2021.
  5. "The Singapore Cybersecurity Strategy 2021".
  6. Reuters (24 August 2016). "Singapore to cut off public servants from the internet" – via www.theguardian.com.
  7. "Programs".
  8. "Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS)".
  9. "Parliament: Singapore to start first cyber-security start-up hub". The Straits Time.
  10. "SG Cyber Talent".
  11. "SG Cyber Women".
  12. "SG Cyber Women X ICE71: Start-up Women in Cybersecurity".
  13. "SG Cyber Safe Programme".
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