Industry Leaders Join Hands with CSA in Cybersecurity Push

New industry agreements will contribute to a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem in Singapore 

In line with Singapore’s Cybersecurity Strategy to develop a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) inked new agreements with top industry players to boost training in cybersecurity and raise cybersecurity capabilities here.

CSA signed four agreements - with BAE Systems, (ISC)², Microsoft and Palo Alto Networks to formalise the parties’ commitment to work together to advance Singapore’s cybersecurity industry. The agreements were signed between CSA and the respective organisations as part of the Singapore International Cyber Week 2016, currently taking place at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.

"Cybersecurity is a multidisciplinary issue and it is necessary to have all hands on deck to grow the capabilities for the sector. In partnering with leading organisations like BAE Systems, (ISC)², Microsoft and Palo Alto Networks, we can work towards a more vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem for Singapore. That in turn will support a competent cybersecurity workforce that will ensure Singapore has cyber-resilient critical information infrastructures."

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

As part of the Strategy announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday, the Government will work with industry partners, professional bodies, Institutes of Higher Learning and research institutes to expand the workforce and grow the industry. This includes attracting and anchoring companies with advance cyber security capabilities.  

The following agreements were signed:

BAE Systems

Leveraging innovation to accelerate industry’s growth, CSA will partner BAE Systems, a UK-based global defence and security company with a strong presence in Singapore, to grow national capabilities through collaboration in capabilities-building and incident response. The partnership will see BAE Systems engaging with local cybersecurity start-ups for research and development of cyber technologies.

(ISC)²

CSA and (ISC)², an international non-profit body for cybersecurity professionals, will collaborate to enhance the professional pipeline and quality of cybersecurity professionals. CSA and (ISC)² will work together to promote the academic acceptance of real world skills in cybersecurity and to facilitate the conversion of professionals from related fields of study such as Information and Communications Technology, Engineering, and Accountancy. Other areas of collaboration involve encouraging professionals to deepen their skills and enhancing security awareness.

Microsoft

CSA and Microsoft will collaborate in advancing the cybersecurity ecosystem in Singapore. This includes bringing in innovative cybersecurity services and solutions into Singapore and the building up of local capabilities to provide these services. The partnership also seeks to raise awareness and encourage adoption of good threat management habits and measures for users and businesses. To better address cyber threats at the national level, CSA and Microsoft agreed to share cyber threat analysis, so as to aid in cyber threat prevention.

Palo Alto Networks (NYSE:PANW)

CSA will collaborate with next-generation security company, Palo Alto Networks, in capability-building, and developing educational platforms for cybersecurity outreach, training and awareness in Singapore. The relationship will also tap into Palo Alto Networks expertise in key areas such as the development of innovative security solutions for Internet-of-Things (IoT), which is proliferating and becoming vulnerable to attacks, as well as security requirements and solutions for government projects.

Please refer to Appendix 1 for partners’ quotes.

About the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) provides dedicated and centralised oversight of national cyber security functions, and works with sector leads to protect Singapore’s critical services. It also engages with various industries, and stakeholders to heighten cyber security awareness as well as to ensure the holistic development of Singapore’s cyber security landscape. The Agency was established under the Prime Minister’s Office and is managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information.