IDA Singapore - Infrastructure

Infocomm Security

Singapore is recognised as a global leader in the adoption and use of infocomm technology. The use of infocomm technology is pervasive across all economic sectors in Singapore and infocomm technology has proven to be a key enabler for individuals, businesses, and government agencies.

Infocomm technology has established itself as an intricate component of Singapore’s infrastructure, especially in critical sectors such as finance, telecommunication, healthcare and transport. While the adoption of infocomm technology has increased convenience, raised quality of services, and created new opportunities, it can also be exploited by online criminals to cause harm and create mischief, such as the theft of valuable data and disruption of online services.

Infocomm security thus plays an important role in creating a secure and trusted environment that minimises infocomm security risks to valuable electronic data and critical business operations. Since the early days of computerisation in Singapore, emphasis has been placed on the assurance of the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information, as well as the security of the underlying systems and communication networks. Infocomm security policies and guidelines have long been instituted within the government and Singapore was among the first nations in South East Asia region to establish the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team in 1997.

Working closely with the people, private and public sectors, the Singapore government will continue to enhance its online security measures and capabilities to build a robust and resilient infocomm infrastructure and create a secured and trusted online environment. To this end, IDA has spearheaded national initiatives such as the Infocomm Security Masterplan and National Trust Framework to build Singapore’s capabilities and resiliency against cyber-threats and to enhance Singapore’s reputation as a trusted infocomm hub.

National Programmes

The Infocomm Security Masterplan and the National Trust Framework (NTF) were developed to manage cyber threats in a holistic and concerted manner. The Infocomm Security Masterplan focuses on developing infocomm security capabilities to enhance Singapore’s national level efforts to protect the country against external and internal cyber threats. The NTF focuses on addressing issues relating to identity, security and privacy, to provide greater assurance and trust for Singapore to be plugged into the information economy over the next decade.

Together, as complementary initiatives, the Infocomm Security Masterplan and the NTF chart the directions and key strategies that will strengthen the resiliency and robustness of our national infocomm infrastructure, and raise the overall standard of infocomm security in Singapore.

Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT)

The Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT) was established in 1997 as a one-stop centre for security incident response in Singapore. It was set up to facilitate the detection, resolution and prevention of security related incidents on the Internet. The services that SingCERT provide include:

Broadcasting of alerts, advisories and security patches
Promoting security awareness by conducting security courses, seminars and workshops
Collaborating with vendors, local and other national CERTs to resolve security incidents

IDA, through SingCERT, is also actively engaged in international collaborations.

Related Resources

The Cyber Threat Landscape Today
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, and Second Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts - Opening Address
Infocomm Security Seminar 2007, SMU Administration Building, Level 5, Conference Hall, 17 April 2007
Towards a Secure and Trusted Infocomm Environment
Mr Peter Ho, Head of Civil Service And Chairman, National Infocomm Security Committee - Keynote Address
Infocomm Security Seminar 2007, SMU Administration Building, Level 5, Conference Hall, 17 April 2007
Opening Address by DPM Tan at the Infocomm Security Seminar 2005
Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, Deputy Prime Minister And Coordinating Minister for Security and Defence - Opening Address
Infocomm Security Seminar 2005, The Auditorium, Matrix Building, Biopolis, 22 February 2005
Singapore's Strategy in Securing Cyberspace
Mr Peter Ho, Permanent Secretary (Foreign Affairs), Permanent Secretary (National Security & Intelligence Coordination) and Chairman, National Infocomm Security Committee - Keynote Address
Infocomm Security Seminar 2005, The Auditorium, Matrix Building, Biopolis, 22 February 2005