Singtel and CSA to enhance Singapore's cyber security ecosystem

Singapore, 6 October, 2015 – Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop and strengthen Singapore’s cyber security capabilities.

Under the MOU, Singtel and CSA will cooperate in three areas:

i. Build up local capabilities and deliver advanced cyber security services and;

ii. Develop industry's cyber security talent capabilities and capacity to meet fast growing demand, and

iii. Develop indigenous research and development (R & D), including joint R & D with institutes of higher learning and research institutes.

Mr Bill Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Singtel Group Enterprise said, “We will leverage our assets and expertise to help enterprises understand and build cyber security capabilities. This includes the global capabilities of Trustwave, a leading managed security service provider, which we acquired. A resilient cyber security ecosystem will help reinforce Singapore’s position as a key business hub for innovation while building the foundation of a safe and smart nation.”

Mr David Koh, Chief Executive of Cyber Security Agency said, “We have chosen to partner Singtel because of their strong commitment to Singapore’s cyber security and focus on the improvement of skills and technology.

“Their interests extend beyond Singapore shores yet they remain focused on building up local capabilities through training and certification programmes, and research and development in advanced solutions. We are confident that this partnership will enhance Singapore’s cyber security landscape significantly.”

Singtel’s cyber security initiatives

With its deep cyber security capabilities and wide suite of solutions, Singtel can meet the increasing demand from customers for end-to-end protection of their databases, networks, applications and devices. Through its acquisition of US-based Trustwave, Singtel can provide real-time, round-the-clock managed security services to companies through a network of security operations centres around the world. Singtel’s cyber security expertise is augmented by some 1,200 Trustwave professionals worldwide including its elite SpiderLabs forensics team.

Additionally, Singtel has launched an Advanced Security Operations Centre (ASOC) in Singapore through its strategic partnership with FireEye. The ASOC monitors advanced cyber threats globally and helps customers overcome sophisticated malicious software attacks.

Singtel’s partnership with leading content delivery network services provider Akamai further protects customers against Distributed Denial of Service attacks.

On the mobile front, Singtel’s Mobile Threat Protection service guards enterprises from losing critical business information to malicious activities targeted at smartphones or tablets.

On the capability front, Singtel has launched several initiatives to build up its cyber security talent pool. In January 2015, it launched the Singtel Cadet Scholarship programme with Singapore Polytechnic to groom young talents. Under a five-year partnership with the Economic Development Board of Singapore, Singtel is currently hiring and training engineers in the field. ****