CSA Organises the Cybersecurity Challenge Singapore to Attract Promising Cybersecurity Talents

1              The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) is organising the Cybersecurity Challenge Singapore, a series of challenges and competitions designed to inspire and spur cyber enthusiasts to join the cybersecurity profession.

2              A key component of the Challenge is CyPhinx - a virtual three-dimensional (3D) skyscraper which acts as a gateway to different games, ciphers and competitions catering to players in various age groups and different competency levels launched by the Cyber Security Challenge UK, a UK Government-backed organisation in 2015. In CyPhinx, players can create avatars, access cybersecurity game challenges and interact with like-minded cyber enthusiasts as well as demonstrate their skills to fellow players and potential employers.

3              CSA has rolled out a Singapore floor on CyPhinx - an initiative arising from the Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security Cooperation signed between CSA and the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom. To participate in the Challenge, participants must first test their skills in the exciting games available on the Singapore Floor (Please refer to Annex B). Scores will be captured as players complete the game challenges in cybersecurity disciplines, namely forensic analysis, vulnerability assessment, incident analysis, malware investigation, attack strategies, and coding.

4              The qualifying period for the Challenge commenced on 22 March 2017 and will end on 14 June 2017. The top 30 players will be invited to compete in a Face-to-Face competition co-organised by CSA and BAE Systems on 22 July 2017 where six winners will win career-enabling prizes from key industry players such as BAE Systems, PwC Singapore, Palo Alto Networks and training courses by (ISC)². They also stand to win an all-expenses paid trip to the United Kingdom (UK) to pit their skills against UK players in the Masterclass Final from 12 to 14 November this year.

"Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry. However, it is a relatively new area and many cybersecurity enthusiasts may not be aware of what the job entails or the exciting opportunities available. With the introduction of the Challenge, we want to unearth budding cybersecurity talents and give them a platform to challenge themselves and at the same time, showcase their skills to potential employers. We are pleased to partner like-minded industry leaders to offer training and internship opportunities to help them develop their cybersecurity competency."

Mr David Koh
Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA)

"BAE Systems is privileged to partner with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) for the first ever Cybersecurity Challenge Singapore, an initiative designed to discover raw talent in Singapore and raise awareness about career opportunities in cyber. We at BAE Systems are passionate about nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity specialists to further enable and bolster Singapore’s cyber resilience. Our involvement in the Cybersecurity Challenge Singapore builds on the Memorandum of Collaboration we signed with CSA in 2016; aimed at boosting training and raising cybersecurity capabilities in Singapore."

Boye Vanell
Regional Director, Asia, BAE Systems Applied Intelligence

The Challenge is open only to Singaporeans or Permanent Residents who are currently not in the cybersecurity field.

The sponsors of the Cybersecurity Challenge Singapore include Gold-tiered Sponsors - Palo Alto Networks and PwC Singapore; Silver-tiered Sponsor (ISC)² and Affiliate Sponsors - e2i (Employment and Employability Institute), THINKSECURE PTE LTD, and StarHub. 

Related resources:

• Annex A: Quotes from Key Sponsors

• Annex B: Game Challenges on Singapore Floor