Cyber Security Agency of Singapore forges partnerships to boost security capabilities

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has forged new partnerships to boost cyber security capabilities as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Singapore’s cyber security posture and stay ahead of a rapidly evolving cyber security landscape.

The CSA signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Singtel, Check Point Software Technologies and FireEye to signal the parties’ commitment to work together on key areas of interest.

CSA will be working with Singtel to build up local capabilities and deliver advanced cyber security services. The partnership will also see CSA and Singtel collaborate on developing manpower through training and certification to meet increasing demand and on research and development to develop new cyber security solutions.

Additionally, Singtel has launched an Advanced Security Operations Centre (ASOC) in Singapore through its strategic partnership with FireEye. The ASOC monitors advanced cyber threats globally and helps customers overcome sophisticated malicious software attacks.

“A resilient cyber security ecosystem will help reinforce Singapore’s position as a key business hub for innovation while building the foundation of a safe and smart nation,” said Bill Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Singtel Group Enterprise.

CSA’s collaboration with cyber security vendor, Check Point, taps on Check Point’s expertise in developing industry leading security solutions. Under the MOU, the parties will focus on bringing advanced solutions to Singapore while growing local capabilities to provide these solutions. The parties will also collaborate on workforce development initiatives and in-depth technical training.

CSA will work with cyber security company, FireEye, to strengthen information sharing on cyber trends and cybercrimes, threats and indicators of compromise as well as jointly devise measures to enhance incident response.

CSA also signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with CREST International and the Association of Information Security Professionals (AISP) to introduce CREST certification for penetration testers in Singapore. The certifications will serve as a competency baseline for practicing professionals and service providers. Under this MOI, the partners will join hands to set up a CREST Singapore Chapter next year.

CSA and the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) have established the Cyber Security Associates and Technologists Programme (CSAT) to train and up-skill ICT professionals to acquire practical skills for specialised job roles for Cyber Security Operations.

The programme is aimed at helping fresh and mid-career ICT individuals attain the necessary practical skills to better equip them for cyber security roles and positions. CSA and IDA will collaborate with industry partners for the training and up-skilling of ICT professionals.

“We are excited to be taking these strides forward with our partners to enhance Singapore’s cyber security capabilities as well as raise the quality of the industry and workforce,” said David Koh, Chief Executive, CSA. “These partnerships pave the way for us to work closely together on innovative solutions to strengthen our cyber security core. We look forward to establishing more of such consequential partnerships to achieve the vision of a secure smart nation for Singapore.”

SingTel announce security operation center, managed defence service powered by FireEye

Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and FireEye, Inc. have announced a strategic partnership to enhance the cyber security ecosystem in Asia Pacific (APAC).

The partnership will cover significant investments related to new Advanced Security Operation Centres (ASOCs) in Singapore and Australia; and the launch of the first SingTel Managed Defence solution powered by FireEye in APAC.

The companies have also agreed to build up cyber security expertise, including training up to 150 professionals to operate the ASOCs.

SingTel and FireEye will also set up a new data store in the region; and increase awareness and knowledge of next generation cyber threats through the bi-annual APAC-focused threat advisory reports by SingTel and FireEye.

“This is a ground-breaking collaboration to enhance the cyber security ecosystem in the region,” said Bill Chang, SingTel’s CEO Group Enterprise. “This will help enterprises better manage the increasing challenges of a new generation of cyber-attacks. With deep cyber security capabilities, SingTel aims to be the preferred and trusted ICT services partner for enterprises.”

Chang added: "With more mobile devices consuming enterprise data and increasingly exposed to malware attacks, SingTel and FireEye will join forces to provide threat mitigation for mobile devices as well."

Chang further added: “Apart from offering the game-changing SingTel Managed Defence Powered by FireEye solution, which helps enterprises avert a costly and prolonged malware breach, we are strengthening the industry’s awareness and knowledge in dealing with cyber threats with our bi-annual Asia Pacific-focused threat advisory reports.”

“FireEye is very excited about our partnership with SingTel. Our managed defense capabilities deliver a level of protection, containment and remediation of highly targeted and complex attacks unmatched in the industry, and SingTel has the scale and infrastructure to help reach customers across the region,” said David DeWalt, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for FireEye.

DeWalt added: “Many organizations realize the nature of attacks has fundamentally changed, but are unsure how to update their security infrastructure to respond to modern threats. FireEye and SingTel bring a unique solution to the market, providing managed services that transform our customers’ security posture and help protect their most valuable assets. With our two leading brands, we are looking to grow the business quickly in the Asia Pacific market.”

SingTel Managed Defence Powered by FireEye
The solution will provide continuous monitoring, detection and the quick containment of malware and other perceived threats to enterprises and government organizations.

Based on investigations in 2013 from FireEye’s Mandiant incident response unit, advanced attackers went undetected for a median of 229 days before being discovered and the vulnerabilities remediated. During this time, organization can be exposed to potential malicious activity for months. The SingTel Managed Defence Powered by FireEye solution focuses on both preventing threats from breaching a network as well as quickly alerting and remediating vulnerabilities to reduce the window of exposure.

This solution is designed to protect organizations by detecting and preventing intrusion attempts against major attack vectors with patented virtual machine-based technology. The solution also monitors an environment 24x7 and analyzing potential cyber threats using techniques based on over 100,000 hours per year of front-line experience.

The Australian centre is expected to open in Sydney in early 2015.