The Cyber Security Agency (CSA) of Singapore will build on its past collaborations with worldwide technology leader, Cisco Systems, Inc. Today, it announced in a press release that a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) has been signed between the two parties.
The MoC seeks to formalise a mutual framework for cooperation in the cybersecurity domain. Closer partnerships in the areas of information sharing and capability development are to be expected. The MoC will run over a two-year period.
Both parties have previous collaborated on initiatives such as Singapore’s ASEAN Cyber Capacity Program. The Program aims to build cyber capacity in ASEAN member states, enhancing regional ability to respond to the evolving cyber threat landscape, and fostering a secure and resilient ASEAN cyberspace. Key areas of focus were cyber policy, legislation, strategy development and incident response were to be covered in a series of events and initiatives. SGD 10 million was set aside for the program in 2016.
Under the newly inked MoC, both parties have agreed to commit to enhanced information sharing on the cyber threat landscape. They will also rev up efforts to aid the exchange of ideas and develop talent.
The signing took place at the private company’s headquarters in San Jose, California. Present at the signing was Mr Gabriel Lim, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications and Information on behalf of CSA, and Ms Liz Centoni, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cisco’s Internet of Things Business Group.
CSA is part of the Prime Minister’s Office and is managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information.
Mr David Koh, Chief Executive of CSA, said “Cisco is a trusted name in the global cybersecurity industry. We look forward to continuing our good work together to build up our cyber defences and grow the cybersecurity ecosystem to address cybersecurity challenges.”
For CSA, the industry collaboration is not a first. In September this year, CSA together with a league of industry partners launched the first Cybersecurity Industry Call for Innovation. The purpose of the challenge is to address specific cybersecurity challenges. By 18 December 2018, interested participants are to submit proposals on either advanced protection and detection, or advanced security operations.
The collaborative spirit between industry and government is something very much needed. Since threats are ever evolving, cyber defences must always be reinforced. Industry participation is necessary not just to strengthen the campaign, but also have an opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions to combat the threat.
Ms Tay Bee Kheng, Managing Director for Singapore at Cisco, said “Singapore has benefited immensely from digital adoption. The continued advancements in technology will create even bigger opportunities for the country in the years to come.”
Ms Tay added, “However, to exploit the full potential of its digital economy Singapore needs to tackle the evolving cybersecurity threat. We need the right combination of people, processes and technology to tackle the issue. At Cisco, we are committed to playing our part on this front and are delighted to partner with CSA in helping Singapore achieve her Smart Nation vision.”
