The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore recently announced the launch of its new 24/7 cybersecurity center, Maritime Cybersecurity Operations Center (MSOC). Inaugurated by Niam Chiang Meng, the Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the new center is operated by ST Engineering, a private contractor.
Designed to strengthen Singapore’s cybersecurity readiness through early detection, monitoring, analysis, and response, MSOC will conduct 24/7 monitoring services across all the port’s information infrastructure. The MSOC can detect vulnerabilities and potential threats by analyzing activities in the IT environment and respond with available technological solutions, according to the MPA.
Apart from setting up MSOC, the MPA also collaborated with the Singapore Shipping Association and Singapore Polytechnic to develop a new “Maritime Cybersecurity (Intermediate) Training Course” for maritime personnel to strengthen their security readiness.
“Cyber threats come in many forms and have been rising steadily across the globe. As the world’s busiest transhipment hub, it is important that we safeguard our maritime and port critical infrastructure to prevent a major disruption to port operations and delivery of services,” Niam said.
A recent research stated that cyber-attacks are increased in the last 12 months, causing security breaches affecting 96 percent of organizations surveyed. According to the research report from endpoint security firm Carbon Black, 90 percent of the Singapore businesses have been breached in 2018. In its report named Singapore Threat Report, Carbon Black examined the survey results from different industries, organization sizes, and IT team sizes to show modern attacks and cyber defense landscape in Singapore region.
According to the research findings, 96 percent of surveyed Singapore-based companies reported breaches last year and 92 percent of them said they’ve seen an increase in attack volumes. Also, 95 percent of the organizations stated the attacks have become more sophisticated and 97 percent of them stated they’ve planned to increase spending on cyber defense.
Also, the Singapore government recently formed Telecom Cybersecurity Strategic Committee (TCSC), a committee that is expected to publish a strategy for telecommunication operators to develop cybersecurity capabilities. It would also give other recommendations, including capability development, technology innovation, regulation, and international partnerships. While addressing at the inaugural of Infocomm Media Cybersecurity Conference, Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Janil Puthucheary announced the road map to secure Singapore’s telecommunications infrastructure.
