Singapore SMEs get help to fight cyber attacks

IN view of the cyber security breaches and attacks, globally as well as in Singapore over the past few years, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) will soon launch an infocomm security starter kit (ISSK) to help companies assess how their IT systems and networks were equipped to handle cyber attacks.

The ISSK is an online self-help tool that businesses can use to assess their organisation's IT security plans, IT infrastructure setup, as well as security policies and governance by answering a set of questions. Based on their responses, a report on the state of their cyber security is generated.

Speaking at the 2014 National Security Conference on Wednesday, Trade and Industry Minister S Iswaran said the ISSK will help promote the adoption of infocomm security measures among organisations, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Mr Iswaran is also Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs.

IDA started a trial of the ISSK at the inaugural Cyber Security Business Exchange which was organised in conjunction with the National Security Conference. Companies, particularly SMEs were invited to try out the kit and give their feedback. Various IT security consultants were also present to give advice based on the profiling report generated by the ISSK.

Once the ISSK goes live, companies will be able to approach the SME Infocomm Resource Centre (SIRC) to access the ISSK for free.