17 April 2008 - The Government today launched a new S$70 million Infocomm Security Masterplan that will see the public, private and people sectors work even more closely together towards combating emerging cyber threats over the next five years. The Infocomm Security Masterplan 2 (MP2) will further hone Singapore's public, private and people sectors' competencies and resilience against cyber threats.
Singapore, 17 April 2008 | For Immediate Release
Plan Aims To Bolster National Readiness To Counter Cyber Threats
The Government today launched a new S$70 million Infocomm Security Masterplan that will see the public, private and people sectors work even more closely together towards combating emerging cyber threats over the next five years. The Infocomm Security Masterplan 2 (MP2) will further hone Singapore's public, private and people sectors' competencies and resilience against cyber threats.
This was announced by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports at the annual Infocomm Security Seminar, organised by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Ministry of Finance.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "While the first Masterplan1 aimed largely at providing the public sector with measures to counter infocomm security threats, the second Masterplan will expand on that and engage both the public and private sectors even more deeply in securing Singapore's cyber space."
Four Strategic Thrusts In MP2
MP2 was developed through a multi-agency effort led by the IDA under the guidance of the National Infocomm Security Committee. It outlines four strategies to protect Singapore's national infocomm infrastructure and services, namely:
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Hardening national infocomm infrastructure and services;
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Enhancing infocomm security competencies;
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Cultivating vibrant infocomm security ecosystem; and
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Increasing international collaboration
(See accompanying Fact Sheet (97.04KB) for more details on MP2).
Under MP2, the Government, in close partnership with the industry, is rolling out new programmes to enhance the nation's security competencies and infrastructure resilience over the next five years. The following programmes will kick start MP2.
Association of Information Security Professionals
The Association of Information Security Professionals (AISP) has been formed by the IDA, together with Government agencies and industry partners. It aims to transform infocomm security into a distinguished profession and elevate the standing, professionalism and trust accorded to infocomm security professionals here. Through the AISP, which is a first in Asia, Singapore hopes to build a critical pool of competent infocomm security professionals who subscribe to the highest standard.
To date, more than 120 members have come on board the AISP and a total of 900 members is expected by 2011. Security practitioners interested in joining the AISP can visit www.aisp.sg.
National Infocomm Scholarship for Infocomm Security
To build a pipeline of infocomm security talent, the IDA has expanded its National Infocomm Scholarship Programme to offer scholarships in the area of infocomm security. This scholarship offers students the chance to study infocomm security at the tertiary level, with stints at leading infocomm security multinational corporations, local companies and Government agencies. The IDA, together with infocomm companies, will offer up to 20 scholarships in infocomm security over the next five years.
Cyber Security Awareness Alliance
MP2 will also reach out to public, private and people sectors as part of its strategy to raise the nation's awareness and adoption of cyber security practices. The Government and the industry have come together to form the Cyber Security Awareness Alliance, which seeks to raise awareness and adoption of cyber security measures among individuals and businesses through educational workshops, seminars and collaterals.
Cyber Security Exercises
To better tackle cyber threats, MP2 will seek to further enhance the resilience of Singapore's national infocomm infrastructure and services. This includes cyber security exercises, where Government agencies and the private sector will participate in crisis scenarios. Such exercises will test the nation's ability to respond and recover from cyber attacks that cause widespread disruptions.
Sector-Specific Infocomm Security Programmes
The Government will work with critical infrastructure owners in both public and private sectors to assess and develop customised solutions that meet each sector's unique security requirements. This initiative, led by the IDA, will commence with the Government, infocomm and energy sectors since they support the vital operations of many other key sectors here.
International Collaboration
Beyond local efforts, the Government will continue to exchange information and explore collaborations with other governments to combat cyber threats and foster close working relations. For instance, Singapore will be hosting Meridian 2008, a key infocomm security conference in October this year. Meridian is a platform for governments around the world to gather and exchange ideas and best practices in the protection of critical infocomm infrastructures.
Towards iN2015
Under the guidance of MP2, the public, private and people sectors will continue to work even more closely to secure Singapore's cyber space and achieve its iN20152 vision of turning the country into an intelligent nation, a global city, powered by infocomm.
ISSUED BY THE CORPORATE & MARKETING COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editor:
1 The first Infocomm Security Masterplan was launched on 22 February 2005 as a strategic roadmap to chart Singapore's national efforts in developing capabilities to prevent cyber security incidents and protect our critical infrastructure from cyber threats. See 22 February 2005 media release at https://www.imda.gov.sg/.
2 Intelligent Nation 2015, or iN2015, is Singapore's sixth and latest Infocomm masterplan. Its vision is to transform the country into an Intelligent Nation, A Global City, powered by Infocomm by the year 2015. It was launched on 20 June 2006, by Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts Lee Boon Yang, at the annual Infocomm Media Business Exchange, or imbX.
Related Link:
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is committed to growing Singapore into a dynamic global infocomm hub. IDA uses an integrated approach to developing infocommunications in Singapore. This involves nurturing a competitive telecoms market as well as a conducive business environment with programmes and schemes for both local and international companies. For more news and information, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/.
About National Infocomm Security Committee
The National Infocomm Security Committee is set up to formulate policies and strategic direction for cyber security at the national level. It is chaired by Mr Peter Ho, Head of Civil Service. It comprises representatives from Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, Ministry of Finance, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), DSO National Labs, and Defence Science and Technology Agency. The IDA also acts as the Committee's Secretariat.
For media clarification, please contact:
Vivien LEE (Ms)
Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: +65 6211 1750
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: vivien_lee@imda.gov.sg
HO Ka Wei (Mr)
Manager, Corporate & Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Fax: +65 6211 2227
Email: info@imda.gov.sg
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