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In an era where online and offline lives are inseparable, prioritising the protection of personal data is paramount. Data Privacy Day on January 28 serves as a reminder, but the ongoing commitment to cultivating habits for cybersecurity remains essential throughout the year.
Maintaining a vigilant approach to personal data protection is essential in an interconnected digital landscape, ensuring a proactive defence against potential threats. Here are five common actions that may compromise data privacy and ways to avoid them:
- Clicking “Accept All Cookies”: Be cautious about accepting cookies without reviewing privacy statements, especially from unsecured sites. Regularly check and adjust cookie settings to enhance data protection.
- Not Verifying Website Security: Always check for the lock icon and “https” in the URL, indicating a secure site. Scrutinise the site name for misspellings, as scammers may use fake sites with a deceptive appearance of security.
- Ignoring “Password Compromised” Alerts: Pay attention to notifications from password managers indicating compromised credentials. Investigate and change passwords promptly, leveraging password manager features to generate complex and unique passwords.
- Over-Sharing Online: Exercise caution when posting detailed personal information online, as it can be exploited by bad actors. Review and sanitise posts to avoid revealing sensitive data that could be used for scams or targeted attacks.
- Unrestricted App Permissions: Evaluate app permission requests, granting access only to necessary functions. Regularly review and disable unnecessary permissions, uninstalling unused apps to minimise data exposure.
Singapore is at the forefront of utilising advanced technology to revolutionise citizen services, underscoring both efficiency and robust privacy and security measures. In its commitment to address the challenges posed by harmful online content, the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) has initiated the Online Trust and Safety (OTS) Research Programme.
This forward-looking effort includes the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Technologies in Online Safety (CATOS), hosted by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), acting as a central hub to collaborate with research partners, industry practitioners, and online safety sector companies to combat various forms of online harm, such as misinformation and content manipulation.
CATOS is positioned as a crucial initiative to leverage collective expertise and innovative approaches, ensuring that Singapore remains resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats. The programme underscores Singapore’s commitment to staying ahead in technology adoption while safeguarding its citizens’ privacy and security in the digital landscape.
In response to a surge in online scams in mid-year 2023, OpenGov Asia reported that Singapore’s government has undertaken robust measures to ensure cybersecurity and protect citizens in the digital landscape.
Initiatives like the Anti-Scam Command (ASCom) successfully halted fraudulent activities, recovered funds, and introduced tools empowering victims. Collaborative efforts with major banks, legislative amendments, and proactive measures such as the Online Criminal Harms Act showcase Singapore’s commitment to cybersecurity, fortifying its position as a secure digital hub and a global leader in combating cyber threats.
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, in collaboration with major tech partners, released playbooks to guide organisations in simulated phishing exercises during Exercise SG Ready. These playbooks aim to enhance cybersecurity awareness and readiness, allowing organisations to test and improve employees’ ability to identify phishing threats.
Simulated phishing exercises, a recognised cybersecurity best practice, help identify gaps in processes, enable targeted training, and strengthen overall cybersecurity posture at both individual and organisational levels. Results, including click rates and reporting rates, aid in analysing and enhancing security measures.
The government’s focus on individual empowerment and collective resilience positions Singapore at the forefront of cybersecurity efforts, setting an example for other nations to emulate.
