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Telecoms networks must be ready to defend against cyberattacks

Communications networks are far more than just commercial assets; they are critical national infrastructure that must be protected

    • In cybersecurity, information on a system's architecture is often more valuable than customer data.
    • In cybersecurity, information on a system's architecture is often more valuable than customer data. PHOTO: PIXABAY
    Published Thu, Feb 12, 2026 · 12:00 PM

    DISCLOSURES by the Singapore authorities on Monday (Feb 9) that four major telecom operators were targeted by cyberattackers in 2025 should serve as a wake-up call for the industry in South-east Asia.

    While there were no service disruptions or evidence that customer data was stolen, reports suggest that the attackers did gain access to some critical systems and technical network-related data.

    This was not a random cyber incident, and it was not aimed at stealing the personal data of customers. It was a deliberate attempt to probe and understand Singapore’s communications networks and systems, infrastructure that is critical to the functioning of its economy and society.