By MP for Aljunied GRC, Low Thia Khiang
[Delivered in Committee of Supply on 9 March 2015]
MCI announced in January this year that it is creating a new Cyber Security Agency on 1 April 2015 that will be tasked with providing dedicated and centralised oversight of national cyber security functions. This Agency will take over the functions of the Singapore Infocomm Technology Security Authority (SITSA) and some roles of IDA.
I welcome the setting up of a centralised oversight agency. Threats to our national security are constantly evolving, and recent cyber attacks on both governments and large corporations have shown that cyber attacks have the ability to cause much damage.
Therefore, it is important that we have the capability to protect ourselves against such threats by having and maintaining a robust cyber security system that is able to respond to new and sophisticated threats. Our heavy reliance on infocomm technology today means that an attack would shake public confidence in Singapore as a Smart Nation. Singapore’s reputation as a financial centre, transport and logistics hub could also be badly affected.
With this in mind, I would like to ask the Minister for an update on the transition to the CSA and how it plans to safeguard cyber security in Singapore, as well as how it proposes to train and nurture talent in the cyber security industry.
I would also like to ask how the CSA would interact with the rest of our security framework, such as the National Security Coordination Secretariat, to ensure that our cyber defence systems are well-coordinated and threats do not slip through the cracks.
Lastly, could the Minister tell us about how the $130 million National Cyber Security R&D Programme launched in October 2013 will complement the efforts in safeguarding cyber security.