Internet users in Singapore can learn to be security savvy and responsible Netizens in the month of July. Launched this morning by Leong Keng Thai, Acting CEO of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), Security and Trust Month features a host of fun and interesting activities all designed to show consumers and businesses how to protect themselves on the Internet...
Singapore, 04 July 2003| For Immediate Release
Internet users in Singapore can learn to be security savvy and responsible Netizens in the month of July. Launched this morning by Leong Keng Thai, Acting CEO of the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), Security and Trust Month features a host of fun and interesting activities all designed to show consumers and businesses how to protect themselves on the Internet. Security and Trust Month is the first of four thematic months under e-Celebrations 2003, the IDA's annual campaign to promote an e-lifestyle.
With over 2.1m Internet users1 in Singapore, online security is an important issue which cannot be taken lightly. While many Singaporeans enjoy the convenience and flexibility offered by online transactions, not everyone knows how to safeguard personal information submitted over the Internet or assess the reliability of an online retailer. Even basic measures such as proper safe-keeping of passwords or deleting the computer's cache to remove transaction details may not be observed by every user. These are just some aspects of online security which the Security and Trust Month will address through a series of public education activities in July.
The thematic month kicks off with a TrustSg consumer fair which features local online retailers who are accredited under the nation-wide trustmark intiative, TrustSg. Organised by the National Trust Council (NTC), the fair, which will be staged over three weekends in July, aims to enhance consumer appreciation of the TrustSg seal and its role in creating a safe and conducive environment for online transactions. As more consumers see the value of the TrustSg seal as a symbol of trust, more e-businesses will also be motivated to adopt the trustmark.
Another highlight of Security and Trust Month is the Security Talkshows organised by the NTC, Consumers Association of Singapore and various community clubs. Adopting an interactive format, participants at the half-day events get to pose questions on online security to industry experts and practitioners. Participants will also get to hear about cyber-crime cases from the Criminal Investigation Department, pick up safe online shopping tips from CASE and learn how to prevent spam.
To boost its consumer education efforts, the IDA has produced a "Security 101" booklet containing tips on Internet security. These include basic steps which any Internet user should take to protect themselves, for example, installing and regularly updating anti-virus software, properly securing content stored on the PC and using anti-spamming software or spam filtering services. The booklet is peppered with comics that highlight the essential security measures in a light-hearted manner. Participants at the TrustSg Fair and Security Talkshows will receive copies of "Security 101". Copies of this booklet are also available in libraries and community clubs for the public' reading.
For businesses, online security has more severe implications as cost, reputation and customer loyalty are at stake. During Security and Trust Month, there will be industry forums to help companies understand how to manage risks posed by cyberspace and counter the vulnerabilities which their e-commerce operations are exposed to. On 17-18 July, CommerceNet Singapore and the NTC will organise a conference which covers areas such as security-related, legal issues, protecting customers'interests and managing business risks on the Internet. The same organisers will present a half-day workshop to share the benefits of TrustSg accreditation.
"Through e-Celebrations, Singaporeans can learn how to harness Infocomm to enhance their quality of life, be more productive at work and maximise their leisure pursuits. With this first thematic month on Security and Trust, we want to equip Internet users with some basic tools and know-how to protect themselves so that they can perform online transactions with confidence and peace of mind. Only then can they fully embrace the e-lifestyle and reap the resulting benefits," said Mr Leong Keng Thai, Acting CEO, IDA.
Commented Mr Inderjit Singh, the new Chairman of NTC, "I am pleased that the NTC, in collaboration with IDA and its eCelebrations 2003 campaign, will be organising a series of consumer education activities to create appreciation of the TrustSg seal as a symbol of trust and assurance on the Internet. To attain our mission of building confidence in the online world amongst businesses and consumers, the NTC will work closely with the industry, government and the community. Only through such strategic partnerships will our efforts contribute more effectively towards Singapore?s growth into a vibrant and robust e-commerce hub, and for Singaporeans to lead a more empowered e-lifestyle."
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editor:
1 Source: Annual Survey on Infocomm Usage in Households and by Individuals for 2002.
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Chia Sher Ling
Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: 65 6211-1180
Email: chia_sher_ling@imda.gov.sg
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