Singtel opens facility to test, train cybersecurity skills
Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) has opened a new facility aimed at training enterprises to address cybersecurity threats and testing their networks.
Launched Tuesday, the Singtel Cyber Security Institute spans more than 10,000 square feet and provides skills development and education programmes customised to fit the needs of its enterprise clients, according to the Singapore telco.
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These training modules would cater to a range of executives and skills, including c-suite management as well as technology and operational professionals. C-level staff would be trained in cyber threat awareness, risk management and crisis communications readiness, among others, while ops team members would be trained in defence and response capabilities.
Singtel's group enterprise CEO Bill Chang said: "Based on our engagements with companies in Singapore, more than 85 percent do not have robust cyber response plans or the opportunity to conduct realistic drills to test and sharpen such plans."
This lack of readiness was further exacerbated by the "severe global shortfall" of cybersecurity experts estimated to be some 1 million in 2016, Chang added, citing research from Forbes.
"Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue to be tackled only at the operational level. It needs to involve all levels within an organisation including boards and c-suite management, and even external stakeholders such as regulators," he said.
The new Singtel facility would be able to simulate cybersecurity attacks and test an organisation's vulnerabilities and response to such threats, replicating the company's operating environment and tapping latest cyber threats.
Singtel also said it was working with local industry regulator, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) to train ICT professionals in cybersecurity as well as provide cybersecurity professionals to beef up their skills with help from industry experts. These efforts would be part of the government's Cyber Security Associates and Technologists (CSAT) programme, which was first announced late last year.