There will be more cybersecurity cooperation between Singapore and Canada in the years to come. A Memorandum of Understanding on Cybersecurity Cooperation was signed on 14 November 2018 in Singapore between the countries.
MoU on Cybersecurity Cooperation
The Prime Ministers of Singapore and Canada, Lee Hsien Loong and Justin Trudeau witnessed the signing of a two-year MoU. The MoU was signed by Mr David Koh, Chief Executive, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Ms Lynn McDonald, High Commissioner of Canada in Singapore, on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.
Various key areas are covered in the MoU. These include information exchange and sharing on cyberthreats and cyberattacks, sharing of best practices on human resource development, provision of technical and certification services and development of cybersecurity standards, and collaboration on regional cybersecurity capacity building.
In the press release, CSA said the exchanges will continue to strengthen Singapore’s operational cybersecurity capabilities. Critical infrastructure protection, enhancements to Singapore’s ongoing domestic cybersecurity ecosystem development efforts, and advancing the development of a secure and trusted regional cyberspace in ASEAN are capabilities Singapore can expect to develop from the partnership.
“With cybersecurity as a transboundary issue, strong international partnerships remain key to navigating the increasingly complex cyber terrain. The MoU will help to strengthen the cybersecurity landscape of both countries. We are also happy to be working together on cybersecurity capacity building initiatives in the region,” said Mr Koh.
Canadian Cybersecurity Strategy
Canada has been placing greater emphasis on its own cybersecurity strategy. Over CAD 500 million is to be invested over the next five years, according to Budget 2018. This was Canada’s largest single investment in cybersecurity ever made, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to safety and security in the digital age.
Measures which the Canadian government has taken include raising funding for the new Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. This will support leadership and collaboration between the different levels of government and international partners, while providing a clear and trusted resource for Canadian citizens and businesses.
Additionally, a National Cybercrime Coordination Unit has been created to expand the RCMP’s capacity to investigate cybercrime. The Unit establishes a coordination hub for both domestic and international partners.
Finally, monies have been pumped into fostering innovation and economic growth, as well as the development of Canadian cyber talent.
With both countries eager to boost their cyber resilience, much can be expected from the MoU.
The MoU signing took place on the side-lines of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Singapore, in conjunction with the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits as Guest of the Chair.
CSA has signed MoUs with Australia, France, India, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States. A Joint Declaration on cybersecurity cooperation with Germany and Memorandum of Cooperation on Cybersecurity with Japan has also been signed.
