Restoring Public Confidence in Smart Nation and Digital Government Initiatives
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the restoration of public confidence in Smart Nation initiatives following the SingHealth cyberattack and the specific measures taken to enhance national cybersecurity. Members of Parliament inquired about the impact on digital government timelines, the identification of culprits, the composition of the Committee of Inquiry, and the responsibility for potential identity theft. Questions were also raised regarding the Cyber Security Agency's role and the protection of business-centric e-Government platforms like CorpPass and the Business Grants Portal. Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Dr Janil Puthucheary responded by requesting that the Minister in charge of Cyber Security address all twelve questions collectively. Permission was granted by the Speaker for these matters to be covered in a Ministerial Statement later in the parliamentary sitting.
Transcript
1 Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what are the actions that the Ministry will take to (i) prevent or reduce the likelihood of similar or worse cyberattacks, such as the recent attack on SingHealth, (ii) ensure organisations and individuals take more aggressive measures to protect their systems and data, and (iii) guide those whose personal data had been compromised in the recent attack on how to detect and respond to improper use of the data.
2 Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Communications and Information besides the recent cyberattack and breach on SingHealth's IT system and data (a) how many Government agencies have also had similar attacks in the last 12 months; (b) what is the nature of such attacks; and (c) which countries have these attacks originated from.
3 Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng asked the Minister for Communications and Information what are the Government's plans to restore public confidence in its Smart Nation and Digital Government's initiatives following the recent cyberattack on SingHealth's IT system.
4 Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng asked the Minister for Communications and Information what are the composition and terms of reference of the Committee of Inquiry to investigate the recent cyberattack on SingHealth's IT system.
5 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) whether the culprit of the cyberattack on SingHealth has been identified; and (b) whether the culprit will be publicly identified and taken to task and, if not, why.
6 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) whether cyberattacks, such as the one on SingHealth, could have been prevented; (b) whether active steps have been taken to protect the data and system integrity of key national installations, including Government-related institutions; and (c) will the Government restore confidence in citizens as it continues to pursue a Smart Nation and Digital Government.
7 Ms Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for Communications and Information (a) how has the recent cyberattack on SingHealth's database affected Singapore's Smart Nation plans; (b) whether the review of the different Smart Nation projects affect the timelines set for these projects; (c) whether the plan to achieve a fully digital Government by 2023 is still possible; and (d) whether there are specific areas or aspects of the Smart Nation plans which can be enhanced or reviewed in light of this cyberattack.
8 Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng asked the Minister for Communications and Information what are the implications of the Cybersecurity Act coming into effect for a cyberattack causing a personal data breach similar to the recent SingHealth incident.
9 Mr Thomas Chua Kee Seng asked the Minister for Communications and Information in view of the cyberattack on SingHealth, what are the steps taken to assure businesses that there will be no data breach when they are using the business-centric e-Government platforms, such as the Business Grants Portal, National Trade Platform and CorpPass.
10 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Communications and Information given that ongoing Smart Nation and Digital Government projects will be placed on hold pending the inquiry into the SingHealth cyberattack, how will Government staff who are affected be redeployed in the meantime.
11 Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Communications and Information what is the role of the Cyber Security Agency in defending against, and responding to, an incident, such as the attack on healthcare data in SingHealth.
12 Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for Communications and Information whether the Government is going to bear responsibility for any stolen identity crime committed as a result of the SingHealth data breach, including unauthorised registration of legal and illegal services, such as SingPass and online gambling sites.
The Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information (Dr Janil Puthucheary) (for the Minister for Communications and Information): Mr Speaker, may I have your permission for the Minister in charge of Cyber Security to take Question Nos 1 through to 12 in a Ministerial Statement later in the Sitting, please?
Mr Speaker: Alright.