SINGAPORE — Any form of cyber attack or threat is a threat on the people, regardless of whether the intent was malicious or mischievous, said Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim today (Nov 20).

This includes “curious netizens who claimed to have followed instructions found online – It is irresponsible and does not bring about any positive outcome”, said Dr Yaacob, in a Facebook post.

Likening it to “someone coming into your home uninvited”, Dr Yaacob added: “They snoop around, leave their mark or steal your valuables. They damage your property, and violate your personal privacy.”

“At the minimum, hacking inconveniences the Government and the public,” he said. “But it can also damage computer systems, cause uncertainty and create havoc in society and at its worst, even endanger lives.”

Earlier this month, a YouTube video purportedly by hacker collective Anonymous threatened “war” against the Singapore Government due to discontent over the new licensing scheme for online news sites. This was followed by high-profile hacking of several websites, including some belonging to the Government. Six suspects have since been hauled up by the authorities.

“Going by the commentaries and reports and the many people I have talked to, it gives me great comfort to know that many Singaporeans have taken a stand against those who threatened our country’s computer systems and websites – your support is much appreciated,” said Dr Yaccob.

Urging Singaporeans not to condone such acts, Dr Yaacob called for citizens to “continue taking a stand against these threats”.

Dr Yaacob is the second minister to hit out at cyber attacks, or threats of such attacks.

Last week, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called on Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strengthen defences against hackers. He had said such “malicious and harmful behaviour” — that at the minimum, inconveniences the public but, potentially, has much graver consequences — must not be condoned.

While the courts will deal with the culprits to the full extent of the law, Mr Lee said citizens, too, should “speak up against such acts and express their clear disapproval” against those responsible or others who supported or encouraged the perpetrators.