Cyber Security Agency (Singapore)
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) is the Singaporean government agency, under the Prime Minister's Office but administratively managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information, that provides centralised oversight of national cyber security functions, and works with public and private sector leads to protect Singapore’s critical services, such as those in 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 Ministry of Defence's deputy secretary of technology David Koh. The Minister-in-charge is S. Iswaran of the Ministry of Communications and Information.[3]
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 April 2015 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Singapore |
| Headquarters | 5 Maxwell Road, #03-00, Tower Block, MND Complex, Singapore 069110 |
| Minister responsible |
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| Agency executive |
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| Parent agency | Ministry of Communications and Information |
| Website | www |
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, 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, the prime minister launched Singapore’s Cybersecurity Strategy with the aim to create a resilient and trusted cyber environment for Singapore. Four pillars underpin the strategy:
- Building a Resilient Infrastructure
- Creating a Safer Cyberspace
- Developing a Vibrant Cybersecurity Ecosystem
- Strengthening International Partnerships
Cutting off internet access
As part of Singapore's cybersecurity strategy, internet access of civil servants' work station will be cut-off. David Koh, chief executive of the newly formed Cyber Security 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".[4]
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.[4]
See also
- National Cyber Security Centre in other countries
References
- "Internet 'was not designed for safety': Cyber Security Agency chief". Channel News Asia. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- Tham, Irene (2015-01-27). "New Cyber Security Agency to be set up in April, Yaacob Ibrahim to be minister in charge of cyber security". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
- "Cabinet reshuffle: S. Iswaran is new Minister for Communications and Information". Straits Times. Retrieved 2018-05-10.
- Reuters (24 August 2016). "Singapore to cut off public servants from the internet" – via www.theguardian.com.