The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has unveiled its latest initiative, the SG Cyber Associates program, as part of its comprehensive Cybersecurity Talent, Innovation, and Growth (Cyber TIG) Plan. Announced during the 2023 Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW) by Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity, this program aims to bolster cybersecurity capabilities in a digital age marked by increasing cyber threats.
As digitalization accelerates, the demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to rise. Many industries and smaller organizations are struggling to confront the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. To bridge this knowledge gap, CSA is rolling out the SG Cyber Associates program, which provides foundational and specialized cybersecurity training for non-cybersecurity professionals, helping them acquire essential cybersecurity skills relevant to their respective fields.
In collaboration with ISC2, CSA plans to offer 10,000 training and examination slots over a three-year period to individuals in Singapore seeking to obtain entry-level cybersecurity certifications. This initiative is part of broader efforts to expand the cybersecurity workforce, with a particular focus on increasing female participation in the field.
CSA is forging partnerships with professional organizations and training providers to introduce SG Cyber Associates to various professions, including engineers, auditors, lawyers, IT professionals, and software developers. Within the engineering sector, the program addresses the growing need for cybersecurity training as Industry 4.0 accelerates the digital integration of engineering systems, and regulations like the Cybersecurity Codes of Practice drive organizations to enhance their cybersecurity resilience.
In the realm of IT and software development, where security is highly encouraged from the outset, equipping IT architects, project managers, and software developers with cybersecurity skills is essential. This will enable them to create more secure products and services while minimizing vulnerabilities.
For professionals in the audit and legal fields, cybersecurity training will empower them to better understand and tackle crucial issues such as cyber risks and data security. This knowledge will enable auditors and lawyers to assist their clients in improving their management of cyber threats, particularly in the face of rising cybercrimes like ransomware and scams.
The SG Cyber Associates program represents a proactive step in Singapore’s commitment to building a resilient and skilled cybersecurity workforce, helping individuals from diverse professional backgrounds contribute to the nation’s digital security.
