SME CyberResilience aims to boost cyber defences for 2,000 firms

ST Engineering and the Infocomm Media Development Authority have jointly launched a programme aimed at improving cybersecurity awareness and resilience among Singapore's small and medium-sized enterprises.

The SME CyberResilience programme is intended to enable up to 2,000 SMEs to receive a complimentary Cyber Threat Scanning service along with expert advice to help them address evolving cyber threats more effectively. The initiative is led by ST Engineering's Cyber business, and it aligns with the goals outlined in the Digital Enterprise Blueprint, which focuses on equipping enterprises in Singapore with safer practices and supporting further digitalisation.

According to the Singapore Cyber Health Report by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, 80% of businesses in Singapore experience cyber breaches each year. Of those businesses, 99% report some form of business impact following an incident. SMEs in particular are often limited by resources and a lack of in-house cybersecurity expertise, complicating their ability to address these risks. With SMEs accounting for 99% of enterprises and playing a vital role in Singapore's supply chain ecosystem, cybersecurity is a key concern in maintaining the integrity of the digital economy.

Mr Goh Eng Choon, President of Cyber at ST Engineering, said, "Through the various initiatives like those offered under the SME CyberResilience programme, we are supporting SMEs in improving their cyber posture as part of our broader mission to fortify the entire ecosystem. We will continue to explore new initiatives and partnerships to help SMEs safeguard against evolving cyber threats."

Under the programme, SMEs will have access to a one-time, complimentary Cyber Threat Scanning Service for up to ten endpoints. This service is provided by ST Engineering through IMDA's CTO-as-a-Service platform and is available for up to 2,000 SMEs. After an initial assessment, businesses will receive a cyber threat scanning report featuring detailed recommendations and access to a cyber analyst for further guidance and support. In addition to these direct services, ST Engineering intends to host cybersecurity awareness events for SMEs focused on current threats and practical defence strategies.

The programme's design aims to equip businesses with tools and knowledge for identifying cyber risks, improving cyber hygiene practices, and boosting their overall security posture to better prevent attacks.

Mr Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive, Sectoral Transformation Group at IMDA, commented, "Cybersecurity is important not just for large corporations; it is also an essential foundation for the survival and success of our SMEs in today's digital economy. It is crucial that SMEs remain resilient against the growing cyber threats we face. IMDA is pleased to collaborate with ST Engineering to strengthen the cyber awareness and defence of our SMEs. This partnership exemplifies the collective effort needed to safeguard the digital future of SMEs and empower them to thrive in the digital economy."

ST Engineering has previously focused on raising awareness about supply chain risks with its enterprise customers, recognising the central part played by SMEs in Singapore's economy. The SME CyberResilience programme will seek to identify further ways to support the cybersecurity journey of SMEs, building on this existing work. The organisations involved have signalled a commitment to enhancing both the security of individual businesses and the resilience of Singapore's wider digital and economic environment.