Singapore sets up digital defense unit

Singapore's Ministry of Defense has been the target of multiple cyber attacks, with personal data of many military personnel stolen.

Singapore's Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen speaks at the launch of the two new units. (Source: SAF)

Recently, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officially launched two new commands to strengthen the protection of the country's "digital backbone" and critical information technology infrastructure against cyber security threats.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen officiated the inauguration of the Defence Cyber Command (DCCOM) under the Department of Digital Intelligence (DIS) and the SAF's C4 and Digitalisation Command (SAFC4DC).

Speaking at the event, Minister Ng Eng Hen said that the establishment of DIS and the two new commands was a timely decision. He asked DIS to enhance the SAF's defence capabilities to cope with challenges in the context of increasing digital threats.

“The SAF must enhance its capabilities to meet this challenge to protect the nation’s digital backbone and critical information technology infrastructure. We have seen an alarming increase in the frequency, sophistication and scale of cyber threats,” he stressed.

Previously, the Singapore Ministry of Defence has been the victim of multiple cyber attacks, in which the personal data of many military personnel was stolen. Enhancing the SAF’s cybersecurity defense capabilities is urgent to protect Singapore’s “digital backbone” and critical information technology infrastructure in the digital age.