Why All Must Get Involved in Draft Cyber-security Bill

The Straits Times

15 July 2017

There is no doubt that cyber security is important for Singapore. Our modern, highly connected businesses and society depend on the integrity and availability of technology to function smoothly. Our smart nation needs to be secured against cyber attacks, especially smart devices that manage energy, healthcare, transport and waste, and gather data to aid government planning.

Although Singapore appears to have dodged the bullet so far, such as during the recent global ransomware epidemic, we remain a prime target and vulnerable to online threats. The recent reports of cyber attacks targeting two major universities are only the tip of the iceberg. Since technology already pervades every part of our lives, we risk economic harm and even physical harm unless we all make cyber security a priority.

Thanks to the proposed Bill, a total of 11 sectors will need to prioritise cyber security. These sectors are government, security and emergency, healthcare, telecommunications, banking and finance, energy, water, media, land transport, air transport and maritime.

However, if organisations which are not in these 11 named sectors think that they are off the hook, then they would be mistaken.

… Benjamin Ang is Senior Fellow/Coordinator, Cyber Programme at the Centre of Excellence for National Security, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University.

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Last updated on 19/07/2017