Singapore Unveils S$38 Million Infocomm Security Masterplan

The Singapore government is investing S$38 million over the next three years to build Singapore's capabilities in cyber security. Announcing the Infocomm Security Masterplan in February 2005, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Tony Tan said that threats from cyber terrorists, cyber criminals and irresponsible hackers cannot be treated lightly.

Speaking to an audience of over 500 people from both the public and private sectors at the Infocomm Security Seminar 2005, Dr Tan said: "Over the years, infocomm technology has become an intricate component of infrastructure in critical sectors like finance, energy, water resources, telecommunication, healthcare and transport. Cyber attacks can seriously damage a country's economy if they are able to penetrate and attack critical infrastructure like the maritime navigational systems, the country's stock exchange or the telecommunications networks."

"We must do all we can to prevent such attacks. Infocomm security is as important in protecting Singapore as is physical security at our borders," added Dr Tan, who is also the Coordinating Minister for Security and Defence.

The Infocomm Security Masterplan will augment current capabilities and develop new capabilities in three key areas - assuring information protection and risk mitigation, situational awareness and contingency planning and in the development of human and intellectual capital, which includes enhancing cyber security awareness among Internet users, the development of professional skills and the promotion of research & development in infocomm security.

a) The National Cyberthreat Monitoring Centre, which will be a central facility for 24 by 7 vigilance and analysis of cyber threats, proactively monitoring and detecting real-time attacks.

b) A National Authentication Infrastructure, to develop reliable and robust authentication means to curb identity theft and encourage offering of more secure e-services.

c) The National Infocomm Security Awareness Programme, where a series of public outreach and awareness campaign will reach out to and educate home users on best computing security practices.

d) An Infocomm Vulnerability Study for National Critical Infrastructure, to assess the infocomm protection defences of critical infrastructures such as finance, energy, water, telecoms, healthcare and transport.

e) Business Continuity Readiness Assessment Framework, to measure the effectiveness of business continuity plans of government agencies.

f) A Common Criteria Certification Scheme, to build the capability to certify infocomm products in accordance to the Common Criteria, a set of international standards on security.