Ensuring Adequate Cybersecurity Measures are Taken by Companies that Take Possession of Customer Data
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the enforcement of cybersecurity measures for companies holding customer data and the subsequent procedures following a detected data loss. Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong inquired about existing mechanisms, and Minister for Communications and Information Mr S Iswaran responded that the Personal Data Protection Act mandates reasonable measures for data protection. The Minister highlighted that the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) and Cyber Security Agency offer guidance on "data protection by design" and essential cybersecurity principles to help organisations manage risks. In the event of a breach, organisations must notify the PDPC and affected individuals if the incident involves at least 500 people or a risk of significant harm. The PDPC continues to monitor breaches and takes enforcement actions, including proportionate financial penalties, while technical assistance is available through the Computer Emergency Response Team.
Transcript
12 Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) how do the existing mechanism and enforcement ensure that adequate cybersecurity measures are taken by companies that are in possession of customer data; and (b) what are the follow-up procedures after a loss of data is detected.
Mr S Iswaran: The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) requires organisations that collect, use or disclose personal data in Singapore to put in place reasonable measures to protect the personal data in their possession or control. This includes cybersecurity measures to secure personal data held in IT systems.
To assist organisations, the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) provides guidance and advice in three areas. One, adopting a 'data protection by design' approach when developing IT systems to ensure appropriate cybersecurity measures. Two, addressing IT risks and observing good practices through guides such as "Electronic Personal Data Protection for Organisations". Three, managing and remediating data breaches effectively, through a guide that sets out breach containment and impact and risk assessment. The Government also actively supports organisations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture against data breaches. Organisations can leverage resources developed by Cyber Security Agency, or CSA, such as the Be Safe Online handbook, which details six essential cybersecurity principles for companies to better manage cyber risks.
In event of a data breach, organisations must now notify the PDPC and affected individuals where the data breach affects at least 500 affected individuals, or there is a risk of significant harm such as involving loss of financial information. Organisations may also seek help from CSA’s Computer Emergency Response Team, which can provide preliminary technical cybersecurity assistance and advice on containment and recovery actions. The PDPC monitors data breaches closely, and will take appropriate enforcement actions including meting out proportionate financial penalties.
Cybersecurity and data protection are our collective responsibility. By staying vigilant and adopting the necessary cybersecurity measures, we can safeguard our digital assets and data, ensuring a safer cyberspace for all.