[BreachExchange] Singapore tops UN cybersecurity ranking

[Audrey McNeil]

https://www.globalgovernmentforum.com/singapore-tops-un-
cybersecurity-ranking/

Singapore has knocked the United States from the top spot in a global
ranking that measures the strength of countries’ cybersecurity provisions.

The United States took second place in the 2017 Global Cybersecurity Index,
which is compiled by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU). In
third place was Malaysia, followed by Oman, Estonia, Mauritius, Australia,
Georgia, France and Canada. Small or developing countries pushed Germany,
Norway and New Zealand – all highly rated in 2014 – out of the top 10,
while Canada dropped eight places and Australia four. Singapore shot up
from 20th place in 2014.

The ranking, which was first published in 2014, is based on assessments of
countries’ legal, technical and organisational provisions; their education,
training and research capabilities; and their participation in
international networks for sharing information.

“The overall picture shows improvement and strengthening of all five
elements of the cyber-security agenda in various countries” across all
regions, the report states.

However, the index identifies a “wide gulf in cyber preparedness around the
globe”, existing both within and between regions, and says there is “space
for further improvement” worldwide in cooperation, capacity building and
organisational measures.

ITU secretary general Houlin Zhao said: “While the impact generated by
cyber-attacks, such as those [‘Petya’ ransomware attacks] carried out as
recently as 27 June 2017, may not be eliminated completely, prevention and
mitigation measures to reduce the risks posed by cyber-related threats can
and should always be put in place.”

The crucial first step is for each country to adopt a cybersecurity
strategy that spells out how it will prepare for and respond to attacks,
the report says, but only 38% of the ITU’s 193 member states have a
strategy in place. A further 12% are currently developing one.

“More effort is needed in this critical area, particularly since it conveys
that the government considers digital risks [to be a] high priority,” the
report states.

Efforts should also be stepped up in the area of training, especially for
staff in agencies that deal with cybercrime, as only 43% of states have
capacity-building programmes in place for law enforcement agencies and the
judiciary, it recommends.

Developing countries, in particular, face education and training shortages
in cybersecurity as well as legal and political challenges, and developed
nations should work with them to help train up local experts and provide
other support.

Brahima Sanou, director of ITU’s telecommunication development bureau, said
at the launch event on 5 July: “As the global community rapidly embraces
[information and communications technologies] as a key enabler for social
and economic development, it is vital that cybersecurity is made an
integral and indivisible part of the digital transformation. We continue to
encourage governments to consider national policies that take into account
cybersecurity so that everyone can reap the benefits of the online world.”

The news comes days after the announcement that Peter Ong, head of the
Singapore civil service, is to retire. Ong was widely recognised for his
commitment to developing Singapore’s digital services and strengthening the
digital capabilities of government bodies.

To view the full report visit: bit.ly/ITUcybersecurity2017
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