17 July, 2017
Earlier this month, the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU) released its Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), a survey which measures the commitment of Member States to cybersecurity. Singapore achieved pole position, marking an improvement of 5 spots from the 2014 edition of the GCI.
The GCI survey assesses countries' legal, technical and organizational institutions, their educational and research capabilities, and their cooperation in information-sharing networks.
In this regard, the ITU commended the Singapore Government's history of cybersecurity initiatives, including the establishment of
the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) in 2015, and the implementation of a new cybersecurity strategy last year to bolster the nation's cyber resilience.
The latest rankings affirm the Government's recent drive to create a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem. In April this year, the Singapore Parliament passed amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act, which expanded the scope of Singapore's legislative framework for combatting cybercrime.
Beyond local shores, the Government has also embarked on strengthening international cybersecurity partnerships.
On 8 July 2017, it was announced that the Minister for Communication and Information, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, will visit the United States and Canada later this month.
The Minister will hold discussions with White House cybersecurity officials on furthering bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity. These discussions follow the inking of a Memorandum of Understanding on cybersecurity cooperation in August 2016. In Canada, the Minister will meet ministers in charge of technology and innovation to exchange ideas on the digital economy.
Elsewhere in Europe, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Singapore and Germany will collaborate on
cybersecurity. In this regard, the CSA and Germany's Federal Foreign Office signed a joint declaration on cybersecurity cooperation, which commits parties to information exchange, joint training and the sharing of best practices.
Going forward, it will be worth monitoring Singapore's ascent as a cybersecure nation, as the country continues to make its mark in the global cybersecurity arena.
For further information, please contact:
Andy Leck, Principal, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
andy.leck@bakermckenzie.com
