SANS Institute and CSA Collaborate to Build Cybersecurity Capabilities in Singapore

Singapore, August 20, 2024 - As cyber threats continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, SANS Institute, the world's foremost authority on cybersecurity training, has partnered with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at empowering Singapore's cybersecurity professionals with the skills to meet and overcome these challenges head-on.

To date, more than 550 enrollments in SANS courses from Singapore have contributed to the enhancement of cybersecurity professionals' skills, reflecting the strong and growing impact of this collaboration. Last year, SANS introduced the innovative Baseload arrangement initiative, a first-of-its-kind effort to streamline access to cybersecurity training for Singapore's public servants, ensuring they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge. In 2023, SANS supported CSA in Exercise Cyber Star, a comprehensive cyber exercise that simulated real-world attacks to bolster the readiness and resilience of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) operators. Most recently, SANS secured funding from SkillsFuture Singapore for 18 SANS courses and 17 GIAC certifications, broadening the opportunities for local professionals to receive top-tier cybersecurity training.

The MOU paves the way for enhanced collaboration between CSA and SANS Institute, with a focus on three critical areas: advancing cyber security skills and capability development, expanding workforce training opportunities, and refining exercise planning to ensure comprehensive cybersecurity preparedness.

Mr. Dan Yock Hau, Assistant Chief Executive (National Cyber Resilience) of CSA said:

"It is important to deepen Singapore's cybersecurity capabilities so that we can better respond to cyber threats as well as to take advantage of the opportunities that digitalisation brings. This partnership with SANS is an expansion of our efforts to ensure that our cybersecurity workforce receive up-to-date training and gain practical experience through these internationally recognised courses and certifications."

Leveraging SANS' global expertise in cybersecurity, this collaboration underscores a dedication to fortifying Singapore's cybersecurity infrastructure with the highest international standards. By bringing specialized training and practical experience from industry practitioners who are at the forefront of cybersecurity challenges and solutions, SANS will equip cybersecurity professionals in Singapore with the skills needed to tackle both current and future threats.

"The deepening of our collaboration through this MOU underscores SANS' ongoing commitment to building the capabilities of Singapore's cybersecurity workforce. Through initiatives like SkillsFuture funding for courses and certifications, we ensure that training remains both accessible and relevant for Singaporeans striving to advance their skills," said Suresh Mustapha, Managing Director, APAC & LATAM. "We look forward to an impactful and long-term collaboration that will not only strengthen Singapore's security posture but also position it as a global leader in cybersecurity resilience."

About SANS Institute

SANS Institute is the global leader in cybersecurity training, certification, and research. Founded in 1989, SANS has a proven track record of providing individuals, organizations, and governments around the world with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats.

For more information about the MOU please contact Singapore@sans.org or visit SANS.org to learn more about the organization.

About the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA)

Established in 2015, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) seeks to keep Singapore's cyberspace safe and secure to underpin our Nation Security, power a Digital Economy and protect our Digital Way of Life. It maintains an oversight of national cybersecurity functions and works with sector leads to protect Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure. CSA also engages with various stakeholders to heighten cyber security awareness, build a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem supported by a robust workforce, pursue international partnerships and drive regional cybersecurity capacity building programmes.

CSA is part of the Prime Minister's Office and is managed by the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. For more news and information, please visit here.