Desmond Choo on Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill

Cybersecurity has rightfully taken centre stage globally and especially in Singapore, and it is crucial to act swiftly against threats, said MP Desmond Choo. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (May 7), he stressed that a robust and regularly updated cybersecurity framework is equally important as Singapore’s first line of defence. He noted the proposed measures ensure a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, saying they focus not only on main systems but also on peripheral ones which are equally vulnerable. He added that they provide a clear understanding of how cyber threats can infiltrate Singapore’s networks, as well as promote transparency and accountability. Mr Choo also highlighted concerns about the compliance costs associated with the new obligations. He wanted to know the estimated increase in compliance costs as a result of the new requirements. He also stressed the need to balance cybersecurity objectives with the legitimate commercial interests of entities, particularly data centres and cloud service providers.