PR I ME MI N I ST E R’ S FO R E WO R D
divisions. Cyberattacks can also do physical
Acknowledgements
damage to business operations and essential
infrastructure, and pose real-world threats to
We would like to thank the following individuals, groups, and agencies
lives and livelihoods.
for their valuable input and support over the course of developing the
Singapore Cybersecurity Strategy 2021:
Digitalisation and cybersecurity are thus
two sides of the same coin. As we push for
• Dr Benjamin Ang, Centre of Excellence for National Security,
digitalisation, we must also raise our cybersecurity
S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
levels to protect ourselves from new technological
• Mr Bruce W. McConnell, EastWest Institute
• Prof Ciaran Martin, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford
exploits and malicious actors.
• Mr Christopher C. Krebs, Krebs Stamos Group
Five years ago, we launched the first Singapore
• Mr Christopher Painter, Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace
Cybersecurity Strategy. The world is now
This updated Cybersecurity Strategy charts the
• Mr James Andrew Lewis, Center for Strategic & International Studies
a different place. Digital technology has
next stage in Singapore’s journey to becoming
• Dr Shashi Jayakumar, Centre of Excellence for National Security,
transformed how we live, work, and play. Smart
a more cyber-resilient nation. We will actively
homes and devices are becoming mainstream;
defend our cyberspace, simplify cybersecurity
retail stalls are pitching their wares over
for end-users, and promote the development
• The Infocomm Media Development Authority
livestreaming apps; we PayNow each other
of international cyber norms and standards.
• The Ministry of Communications and Information
instead of using cash. The COVID-19 pandemic
As the cyber environment is evolving rapidly,
• The Ministry of Defence
has accelerated these trends further.
implementing this strategy will demand much of
S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
• The Singapore Cyber Security Inter Association
• The Cyber Security Awareness Alliance
• The Ministry of Home Affairs
• The Personal Data Protection Commission
• The Singapore Police Force
• The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group
Digital technology is central to our COVID-19
response. Technology enables us to trace
contacts effectively and efficiently, monitor
patients’ health remotely, and ensure
compliance with stay-at-home notices. Many
by Cyber Security Agency of Singapore
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-981-18-2258-2
to upskill practising professionals and to support
individuals keen on pursuing a cybersecurity
career. If we can do all this well, we can
confidently unleash our full digital potential.
solutions were developed locally to help us
As the world rides the digitalisation wave, let us
emerge stronger from the pandemic.
work together towards a trusted and resilient
The Singapore Cybersecurity Strategy 2021
Copyright © 2021
our people. That is why we are investing heavily
Singapore must continue to exploit digital
technology fully to grow and develop. At
cyberspace so that everyone can benefit from
the opportunities in a digitally connected world.
the same time, we must be vigilant about
the risks. The more we digitalise, the more
exposed we become to the growing threats
Cyber Security Agency of Singapore
www.csa.gov.sg
Designed by:
APT811 Design & Innovation Agency
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in cyberspace. The same technologies that
improve our lives can be misused to disrupt
Lee Hsien Loong
our lives, sow mistrust, and deepen social
October 2021