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Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB)’s HDB Smart Hub was recently conferred the Best Adoption Award for public sector under the SG:D TechBlazer Awards. Prior to the awards ceremony, I have a quick chat with Mr Fong Chun Wah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Building), HDB, about what residents can look out for thanks to the Smart Hub.
What’s so Smart about the Smart Hub?
HDB Smart Hub is a digital platform which integrates, manages and analyses data centrally.
Using the data generated from building services such as utilities, lighting and lifts can be analysed to identify areas of improvement. A data driven solution will bring about more convenience for residents and optimise estate operations of HDB towns.
Town Councils may monitor and deliver estate services in a more efficient and effective manner. Moreover, the Smart Hub supports the Board’s planning and design processes, and community development efforts.
In their words, the Smart Hub is akin to the ‘brain’ of an HDB estate, making it a living lab. The information is gathered real-time from sensors around the estate into a central repository within HDB on a dashboard.
HDB is working with various industry partners to roll-out their ideas.
The first phase of Smart Hub has been implemented in Yuhua estate. Teck Ghee, Punggol and Tengah will be next in line for data monitoring and analysis.
Smart Building, Happy Life
While these things seem to be more of planning and construction, the impact felt by residents will be immeasurable.
Mr Fong shares with us that it is the residents who are at the heart of many of their projects. HDB is merely the enabler in envisioning a futuristic estate.
Take the Smart Socket project for example. To be rolled out in the Punggol Northshore district, residents will have the convenience of having an IoT-friendly home. IoT home devices to manage wellness and utilities typically need homes to be specially configured. Cognisant of the trend, the smart socket allows HDB residents to be smart ready without having to reconfigure their homes or purchase smart plugs.
Sticking to the guiding principle of enabler, Mr Fong says HDB will not be rolling out applications which compete with those which exist in the open market. Residents are free to pick and choose their own. HDB’s role is to play a supporting role by wiring homes in such a way that complement whichever services residents choose.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Tengah town is the next up and coming town. Designed to be sustainable and encourage residents to live greener lifestyles, Tengah will have utilities and waste management services.
Mr Fong gives the example of the smart Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS). The system promotes a more hygienic and efficient method of waste collection and management. As an automated and enclosed waste collection system, it uses high speed air suction to transport household waste via an underground network to the Centralised Bin Centre.
Explaining, Mr Fong said, “This means that people do not have to come around to collect the rubbish or collect a lot of waste which builds bad smells. The new system will be a conveyance system where all the refuse will be collected at one point, to reduce health hazards to the residents and smell nuisance. This makes the environment better for the resident.”
“The sensors are also able to detect when the conveyance system has been broken down. The data that comes in will help to determine if it is a mechanical fault or related to a particular resident [who throw bulky refuse].”
Close to 3000 units will be connected to a single point. The number of trucks moving between blocks will significantly refuse. Importantly, the technology addresses manpower needs for cleaners.
No Longer Home Alone
The third and perhaps the most astute to Singapore’s demographic change, is a collaboration with hospitals and Pioneer Generation partners on Smart Elderly Monitoring.
“Elderly at home are very vulnerable to falls. Instead of technologies which ties one to a pull cord, the smart technology is to enable the home to have sensors. It learns how the elderly behaves. If there is an abnormality detected, the information is immediately sent to their loved ones, so they can check on them. This is one of the things HDB is exploring,” said Mr Fong.
The service has been trialled with various service providers to roll out the technology. Although HDB did not provide the service directly, testing was conduct in tandem with the service providers.
Upon an elderly’s discharge from the hospital, for example, healthcare workers can inform the patient about the available technology in the market.
Reiterating, Mr Fond said, “In a way, HDB becomes an enabler rather than a service provider for such needs…Because everybody needs a different service.”
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The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently unveiled an ambitious plan to propel Vietnamese businesses onto the global stage through a cutting-edge initiative. At the core of this strategy is the selection of 100 exceptional enterprises for the “Vietnam Pavilion” on a leading B2B e-commerce platform, slated to revolutionise the landscape of international trade.

This innovative programme seeks to champion the diverse array of “Made in Vietnam” products, fuel international trade endeavours, and facilitate seamless access for businesses to tap into the vast customer base of an established e-platform. By leveraging this expansive network, the initiative aims to illuminate Vietnam’s products and the prowess of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to a global audience.
The registration window for SMEs extends until January 15, 2024, offering selected participants invaluable insights from seasoned exporters. Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, emphasised the pivotal role of this collaboration with the e-commerce giant, highlighting its potential to furnish SMEs with a gateway to the global market. This collaboration underscores a strategic shift toward digital trade, fortifying resilience amid the unpredictable undulations of the global market.
The inception of the “Vietnam Pavilion” in 2022 signals a concerted effort to bolster Vietnamese businesses by amplifying their brand presence and facilitating seamless networking opportunities. According to the Country Director of the e-commerce company in Vietnam, this alliance is pivotal in augmenting the global footprint of Vietnamese enterprises, streamlining their participation in global business endeavours.
In the previous year, Vietnam witnessed an exponential surge in exports via e-commerce, surmounting 80 trillion VND (approximately 3.25 billion USD). Forecasts project a meteoric rise, expecting the figure to soar to nearly 300 trillion VND by 2027. In anticipation of this burgeoning trend, Vietrade swiftly rolled out various online and hybrid trade promotion models, yielding commendable outcomes.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade organised an event to introduce the “National Centralised Promotion Programme 2023 – Vietnam Grand Sale 2023” to stakeholders across the country. This initiative is designed to invigorate trade promotion endeavours while fortifying the branding of Vietnamese goods. The programme aims to stimulate domestic market growth, diversify purchasing channels, and bolster production, circulation, and business activities, catalysing the country’s economic resurgence.

The National Focused Promotion 2023 is set to be a nationwide affair, spearheaded by the Department of Trade Promotion in collaboration with relevant industry units, associations, businesses, and organisations. This concerted effort will encompass a multifaceted approach, blending traditional trade methods with e-commerce to generate a ripple effect, drawing the active participation of enterprises across sectors.
Businesses are granted the autonomy to partake in the “National Focused Promotion 2023” Programme by proactively engaging in diverse and compelling promotional activities aimed at captivating customers. They have the prerogative to set promotional limits (up to 100%), provided they adhere to legal and transparent promotional practices and safeguard consumer rights.
As stipulated, the permissible limit for goods and services used in promotional activities during the specified period from December 4, 2023, to February 9, 2024, stands at 100%, in alignment with regulatory decisions.
In essence, these initiatives orchestrated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade represent a decisive stride toward harnessing technological advancements to bolster Vietnam’s economic landscape, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age while fortifying their global market presence.
Vietnam is eager to develop its digital economy and ensure that it is ready to make use of any opportunities to expand.
OpenGov Asia reported that the Ministry of Information and Communications is designing a strategy for Vietnam’s international fibre-optic cable development that will soon be released. This initiative aims to guarantee the secure and sustainable advancement of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure, according to Pham Duc Long, the Deputy Minister of MIC.
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A delegation from the Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) met with the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations (PTRI New York) in New York. The meeting addressed the importance of digitisation as a fundamental foundation in bureaucratic reform.
Digitisation, involving representatives from the Ministry of PANRB and PTRI New York, discussed concrete steps to integrate technology into bureaucratic reform efforts. The discussion involved aspects such as implementing information systems, developing human resource capacity, and using technological innovation to enhance administrative efficiency.
In this meeting, the delegation from the Ministry of PANRB, led by Deputy for Institutional and Organisational Affairs Nanik Murwati, accompanied by Acting Assistant Deputy for Institutional and Organisational Affairs for the Economy, Maritime, and Investment of the Ministry of PANRB Ario Wiriandhi, was received by the Permanent Representative of Indonesia to PTRI New York, Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir, and his team. The meeting began with discussions on the progress of institutional and organisational policy.
Nanik emphasised the urgency and importance of bureaucratic reform supported by data-based digital governance. “Digitisation through the SPBE architecture is the main foundation for bureaucratic reform, with its impact to be felt by the Indonesian people both domestically and internationally,” said Nanik.
Nanik demonstrated the Indonesian government’s commitment to advancing bureaucratic reform through digital transformation through this meeting. They underscored the importance of international collaboration, especially in exchanging knowledge and experiences related to implementing technology in public administration.
One of the main focuses of the meeting was to enhance the effectiveness of public services through implementing digital solutions. The delegation discussed the potential use of artificial intelligence, data analysis, and technology-based platforms to expedite decision-making processes and provide more responsive services to the public.
“The use of digital technology in various aspects of government operations, such as reporting, data management, and interagency coordination, can create a more open, transparent, and efficient environment,” said Nanik.
The Ministry of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) emphasised simplifying and integrating business processes to strengthen digitisation. The main goal is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of task implementation, programmes, and services across all government agencies, including those carried out by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia (PTRI) in New York.
Nanik, the representative from the Ministry of PANRB, revealed that the next step is to conduct an in-depth review with PTRI New York regarding the institutional arrangement policy of the Indonesian Representative Abroad. This institutional arrangement aligns with the revision of Presidential Decree No. 108/2003 concerning the Organisation of the Indonesian Representation Abroad. This process aims to align and enhance the organisational structure to provide optimal support in diplomatic tasks.
The discussion highlighted crucial points, including the position and relationship of business processes and work procedures between PTRI and KJRI New York, KBRI Washington DC, and other organisational elements within the PTRI New York environment. The results of the meeting are expected to form a strong foundation to strengthen synergy and efficiency in diplomatic tasks at PTRI in New York.
Furthermore, through this collaborative step, Nanik believes that by implementing digitisation comprehensively in bureaucracy, there will be significant opportunities to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of public services. Digitisation will facilitate access and information exchange between agencies, reduce task execution time, minimise bureaucracy, and mitigate risks associated with manual processes.
This initiative addresses current needs and looks ahead, creating a robust foundation for adapting to ongoing technological developments. Thus, Indonesia can continue to deliver excellent and responsive public services, achieving the goal of sustainable bureaucratic transformation.
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Amid the relentless surge of cybersecurity threats, governments and technology agencies must embrace heightened awareness and implement meticulous data protection strategies. The escalating cyber threats necessitate a proactive stance, where staying one step ahead is crucial to safeguarding crucial information assets.
In this dynamic digital landscape, where information is a commodity, governments must acknowledge the evolving nature of cyber threats and continuously fortify their cybersecurity measures. Rapid technological advancements bring new challenges, requiring adaptive and innovative solutions to balance potential vulnerabilities.
Collaboration between government bodies, regulatory agencies, and technology experts is paramount in fostering a collective defence against cyber threats towards data privacy. Sharing insights, intelligence, and best practices creates a robust cybersecurity ecosystem capable of anticipating and mitigating emerging risks.
To secure public information and ensure data privacy, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has initiated measures to combat leaks and the illicit trade of personal information. Recognising the situation’s urgency, the Minister outlined a comprehensive plan divided into three periods—30 days, six months, and 12 months.
During the first 30-day period, the Office of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDC) established the Personal Data Violation Surveillance Centre to investigate public information disclosures promptly. The operations conducted this November inspected 3,119 government and private sector agencies. The PDPC detected data leaks in 1,158 cases, leading to corrective actions taken by the agencies in 781 instances. Notably, three issues of personal data trading were uncovered, prompting investigations and prosecutions in collaboration with The Police Technology Crime Investigation Headquarters.
Simultaneously, the PDPC, under the directive of the Police Technology Crime Investigation Headquarters, expedited inspections of 9,000 agencies within the next 30 days. This initiative targeted government agencies deemed critical information infrastructure (CII), including those in the energy, public health, government services, finance, and banking sectors.
During the inspections, the cybersecurity systems of 91 agencies were examined. Of these, 21 were identified as having high levels of risk, prompting corrective actions by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
The third measure involves collaborative efforts between the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), NBTC, and relevant agencies such as the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers Association, Thai Life Assurance Association, Thai Hotel Association, and the media sector network. The objective is to raise awareness about personal data protection and prevent potential risks from inadequate security procedures. This includes knowledge-sharing sessions on maintaining cybersecurity through Cybersecurity Awareness Training. The collaborative initiative emphasises preventing intrusion from outsiders, securing system settings, and enforcing the law within the purview of the authorities.
For the subsequent six-month period, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will expedite efforts to block illegal trading of personal information. Offenders will be actively pursued, prosecuted, and arrested to ensure a swift and effective response in safeguarding the privacy and security of individuals’ data.
This strategy underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to fortify data protection measures and create a safer online environment for all citizens by partnering with other entities.
OpenGov Asia reported that Thailand is strategically addressing escalating cybersecurity concerns with a multi-faceted approach involving tech, partnerships, specialised task forces, public relations efforts and training programmes to fortify cyber resilience and foster innovation.
The Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, along with Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and ministry executives from affiliated agencies, recently conducted a meeting to review strategies to address cybercrime problems, notably personal data leaks. Thus far, Thailand has generated several ideas concerning cyber threats, particularly in financial cybersecurity. Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong has initiated several steps and frameworks to address these issues:
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In a gathering in New Delhi that reflected the significance of the issue, the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance, spearheaded a comprehensive discourse. The focus was on unveiling the challenges and strategising against the burgeoning threats of cybercrime in the financial services sector, particularly the surge in online financial fraud incidents.
Critical issues discussed encompassed the imperative need for enhanced coordination among police, banks, and financial entities for real-time tracking and blocking of defrauded funds. Additionally, strategies to tackle the proliferation of mule accounts, augment response times to handle alerts on online financial frauds, and establish regional/state-level nodal officers were highlighted.

The meeting also emphasised the necessity of a central registry for merchant onboarding and KYC standardisation, as well as the importance of whitelisting digital lending apps through stakeholder consultation. Progress updates on implementing recommendations, such as setting up the Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) and the proposed legislation known as the ‘Banning of Unregulated Lending Activities (BULA) Act,’ were also on the agenda.
Lastly, an overarching consensus emerged: all stakeholders, including banks and financial institutions, must prioritise customer awareness and sensitisation programs to bolster digital payment security.
Attendees, including the Secretary of Telecom and high-ranking officials from multiple sectors such as DFS, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Telecom (DoT), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Indian Cyber Crime Co-ordination Centre (I4C), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), as well as leading banks and financial institutions like State Bank of India (SBI), Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, and others, converged for this pivotal discussion.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) from the Ministry of Home Affairs shared a concerning presentation. They highlighted the escalating statistics of digital payment frauds culled from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), shedding light on the diverse sources of financial frauds and the intricate modus operandi adopted by cybercriminals. This included exploring the challenges impeding efforts to counter these financial cybercrimes.
The meeting was not just a gathering of minds, but it explored preparedness. Participants assessed the readiness of banks and financial institutions to confront the escalating challenges posed by cyber threats in the financial domain. They delved into the rising trend of digital payment frauds and crafted a focused strategy to combat these attacks and scams head-on.
Moreover, key players like the State Bank of India (SBI), PayTM, and Razorpay showcased their distinct strategies for mitigating such fraudulent activities. SBI presented its Proactive Risk Monitoring (PRM) strategy, while representatives from PayTM and Razorpay shared their successful best practices.
Key takeaways from the deliberations included noteworthy statistics: 70 lakh mobile connections implicated in cybercrime/financial frauds were disconnected via digital intelligence platforms. Furthermore, a staggering Rs. 900 crore of defrauded money was safeguarded, benefiting approximately 3.5 lakh victims.
The meeting chaired by the DFS Secretary served as a pivotal juncture to fortify India’s financial sector against cyber threats. Collaboration among various agencies unveiled potent measures, disconnecting implicated mobile connections and safeguarding substantial defrauded funds. The discussions culminated in a roadmap to shield citizens from the insidious web of financial frauds, showcasing a unified resolve to combat cyber threats in the country’s financial ecosystem.
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Vietnamese companies are actively implementing several measures to ready themselves for an artificial intelligence (AI)-centric future. According to an industry survey released recently, 99% of organisations have either established a robust AI strategy or are currently in the process of developing one.
Over 87% of organisations are categorised as either fully or partially prepared, with only 2% falling into the category of not prepared. This indicated a significant level of focus by C-Suite executives and IT leadership, possibly influenced by the unanimous attitude among respondents that the urgency to implement AI technologies in their organisations has heightened in the past six months. Notably, IT infrastructure and cybersecurity emerged as the foremost priority areas for AI deployments. However, only 27% of organisations in Vietnam are fully prepared to deploy and leverage AI-powered technologies.
The survey included over 8,000 global companies and was created in response to the rapid adoption of AI, a transformative shift affecting nearly every aspect of business and daily life. The report emphasises the readiness of companies to leverage and implement AI, revealing significant gaps in crucial business pillars and infrastructures that pose substantial risks in the near future.
The survey was an assessment of companies that were examined on 49 different metrics across these six pillars to determine a readiness score for each, as well as an overall readiness score for the respondents’ organisation. Each indicator was weighted individually based on its relative importance in achieving readiness for the respective pillar. It classified organisations into four groups—Pacesetters (fully prepared), Chasers (moderately prepared), Followers (limited preparedness), and Laggards (unprepared)—based on their overall scores.
Although AI adoption has been steadily advancing for decades, the recent strides in Generative AI, coupled with its increased public accessibility in the past year, have heightened awareness of the challenges, transformations, and new possibilities presented by this technology.
Despite 92% of respondents acknowledging that AI will have a substantial impact on their business operations, it has raised concerns regarding data privacy and security. The findings showed that companies experience the most challenges when it comes to leveraging AI alongside their data. 68% of respondents acknowledged that this is due to data existing in silos across their organisations.
As per an industry expert, in the race to implement AI solutions, companies should assess where investments are needed to ensure their infrastructure can best support the demands of AI workloads. It is equally important for organisations to monitor the context in which AI is used, ensuring factors such as ROI, security, and responsibility.
The country is working to foster a skilled workforce in AI to actively contribute to the expansion of Vietnam’s AI ecosystem and its sustainability. As per data from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) last year, there were over 1,600 individuals in Vietnam who were either studying or engaged in AI-related fields. However, the actual number of professionals actively working in AI within Vietnam was relatively low, with only around 700 individuals, including 300 experts, involved in this specialised work. Considering the substantial IT workforce of nearly 1 million employees in Vietnam, the availability of AI human resources remains relatively limited.
To tackle this challenge, businesses can recruit AI experts globally or collaborate with domestic and international training institutions to enhance the skills of existing talent. They can also partner with universities to offer advanced degrees in data science and AI for the current engineering workforce, fostering synergy between academic institutions and industry demands.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced the Global Digital Public Infrastructure Repository (GDPIR) and a Social Impact Fund (SIF). The GDPIR will be used for sharing information and best practices and the SIF is designed to advance Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
He unveiled the schemes during the Virtual G20 Leaders’ Summit last week. Chaired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) has played a key role in progressing the global DPI agenda. Through determined negotiation efforts, the DEWG achieved the historic milestone of the first-ever multilateral consensus on DPI.

The Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting (DEMM) unanimously endorsed three DPI deliverables, including a framework for building DPI, the mobilisation of finances for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the establishment of a GDPIR. The consensus was also reaffirmed in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD).
Global Digital Infrastructure Repository
MeitY developed the Global Digital Infrastructure Repository, a comprehensive resource hub that consolidates crucial insights and expertise from G20 members and guest nations. Its primary aim is to bridge the knowledge gap in making choices and employing methodologies required for the design, construction, deployment, and governance of DPIs.
Its primary purpose is to address the knowledge gap in making informed choices and employing effective methodologies for the design, construction, deployment, and governance of Digital Public Infrastructures (DPIs). The GDPIR presents information in a standardised format, showcasing the experiences of countries and organisations that have successfully developed DPIs at scale. This includes elements such as maturity scales, source codes (where available), and governance frameworks. Currently, the GDPIR features 54 DPIs from 16 countries.
Social Impact Fund
The Social Impact Fund is envisioned as a government-led, multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at accelerating the implementation of DPI in the global south. India has pledged an initial commitment of US$ 25 million to the project. The fund will provide financial support to offer both upstream technical and non-technical assistance to countries in developing DPI systems.
The SIF provides a platform for various stakeholders, including other governments, international organisations, and philanthropic entities, to contribute and collectively fast-track the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in LMICs through DPIs.
In India, DPI comprises the India Stack, a set of domestically created digital solutions implemented nationwide. It includes APIs and digital public assets that enable the widespread use of digital identity, data, and payments as fundamental economic elements. Key components include Unified Payments Interface (India’s instant payments system), Aadhaar (the government’s digital identity card), and DigiLocker (a secure document access platform on a public cloud).
India Stack enhances access to and the delivery of public services, with the overarching goals of achieving widespread connectivity, promoting digital inclusion, and ensuring seamless access to public services. Built on open technologies, these solutions are interoperable and crafted to encourage active participation from industry and community stakeholders, thereby fostering innovation.
In September, India signed three separate memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Sierra Leone, Antigua & Barbuda, and Armenia to share experiences and digital solutions, including India Stack.
The agreements aligned with several government initiatives, including Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), and Make in India, among others. These initiatives collectively aim to propel the nation toward a digitally empowered society and a knowledge-based economy. As the landscape continues to evolve, there is a pressing need to delve into business opportunities, share best practices, and attract investments within the digital sector.
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In an era marked by escalating cyber threats, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is spearheading a pioneering initiative to fortify the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure. Over the past few years, the frequency and impact of cyberattacks have surged, disrupting vital operations across various sectors. Notable incidents, such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, have underscored the vulnerability of critical infrastructure, prompting a proactive response from CISA.
Recognising the evolving threat landscape, CISA is thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking pilot programme tailored to provide cybersecurity shared services on a voluntary basis to entities within critical infrastructure sectors. The initiative comes in the wake of escalating cyber-physical attacks that have demonstrated the potential to disrupt essential functions and, in extreme cases, threaten human life.
Having served as a managed service provider for the federal civilian government, CISA is leveraging its experience and expertise to extend support to non-federal organisations grappling with cybersecurity risks. Empowered by a new congressional authority, CISA aims to deliver enterprise cybersecurity solutions that enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure and contribute to risk reduction, cost savings, and standardisation.
A vital component of this programme is deploying CISA’s Protective Domain Name System (DNS) Resolver to pilot participants. Formerly exclusive to federal civilian agencies, this proven and cost-effective solution utilises U.S. government and commercial threat intelligence to preemptively block systems from connecting to known or suspected domains. The success of CISA’s Protective DNS service is evident in its prevention of nearly 700 million connection attempts from federal agencies to malicious domains since 2022, effectively mitigating risks associated with common cyber threats like ransomware, phishing, and malicious redirects.
By expanding the accessibility of its highly scalable Protective DNS service, CISA is extending critical cybersecurity protections to “Target Rich, Resource Poor” entities within the critical infrastructure landscape. This strategic move aims to provide essential safeguards that have proven instrumental in reducing enterprise risk across federal government agencies.
The ongoing pilot programme involves the identification of critical infrastructure entities interested in adopting CISA-provided commercial shared services. This phase serves to stress-test service delivery mechanisms, demonstrate the scalability of cybersecurity services, and establish CISA’s ability to efficiently acquire, deploy, and operate these services on a large scale. As part of its ‘Target Rich, Resource Poor’ strategy, CISA is collaborating with entities in healthcare, water, and K-12 education sectors during the initial phase, with plans to extend services to up to 100 entities by the end of the year.
In addition to technical deployment, CISA is fostering engagement through roundtables and information sessions with critical infrastructure partners across all sectors and regions. This proactive approach aims to comprehensively understand their unique needs, challenges, and existing capabilities, allowing CISA to tailor its shared services effectively. The insights garnered from these discussions, combined with the results of the Protective DNS pilot, will guide efforts to enhance support for the nation’s critical infrastructure organisations.
As the designated Cyber Defence Agency for the United States, CISA believes that delivering cost-effective, scalable, and innovative cybersecurity solutions to critical infrastructure entities is crucial to fulfilling its national cyber mission. The dynamic nature of the cyber threat environment underscores the urgency of collective cyber defence, and CISA stands ready to meet the evolving challenges, supporting entities in safeguarding the digital backbone of the nation.