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Four ways S’pore is stepping up its fight against cybercrime

SINGAPORE — Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam on Wednesday (July 20) unveiled the National Cybercrime Action Plan, which sets out the Government’s future and ongoing efforts against cybercriminal activity. Here are the four key priorities in the plan.

Reuters file photo

Reuters file photo

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SINGAPORE — Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam on Wednesday (July 20) unveiled the National Cybercrime Action Plan, which sets out the Government’s future and ongoing efforts against cybercriminal activity. Here are the four key priorities in the plan.

1) EDUCATING THE PUBLIC

Among efforts to help the public to stay safe online, there will be a special focus on vulnerable groups, such as students and senior citizens. The police will work with schools and Non-Governmental Organisations to raise awareness among these groups.

The ‘Cyro’ game apps, a series of games to promote cybercrime awareness among children, will be launched this year. The existing Scam Alert website (scamalert.sg) will be converted into a self-help portal against scams, offering a variety of resources.

Meanwhile, the police have already started mass media advertisements against cybercrime and Neighbourhood Police Centres are reaching out to residents. Last year, more than 80 roadshows were conducted.

2) ENHANCING GOVT’S CAPABILITY TO FIGHT CYBERCRIME

The Cybercrime Command, set up in December last year to improve coordination in the police’s response to cybercrime, will analyse new methods used by cybercriminals. Analysis will be used to shape crime prevention messages, which can then be quickly disseminated to the public.

The Cyber Security Lab, a hands-on training facility set by up the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2014, will expand its curriculum to cover topics like cybersecurity fundamentals, digital forensics and malware analysis.

There will also be more joint exercises across Government agencies to improve existing workflows and coordination.

3. STRENGTHENING LEGISLATION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE FRAMEWORK

Laws will be updated to remain relevant. The Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act will be amended so it is effective in responding to the transnational nature of cybercrimes and the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.

The Government will also look at other existing laws to ensure they remain relevant as traditional crimes shift online.

4. PARTNERSHIPS

The Government will build partnerships with industry and academia, locally and overseas, so as to share knowledge and build capabilities in areas such as cyber-forensics and cyber-investigations.

The Temasek Advanced Learning, Nurturing and Testing Lab, developed by the MHA and Temasek Polytechnic, is expected to be operational next year. It will allow students to test their innovations against the latest cyber threats.

The MHA has also set up a new Institute of Safety and Security Studies that will promote thought leadership and build expertise in different areas, including cybercrime. The institute’s training courses will be offered to Home Team officers and partners from Asean member states.

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