GovWare Conference 2021 to Focus on Tackling Supply Chain Attacks and Strengthening Digital Security
The growing wave of cyber threats, highlighted by sophisticated supply chain attacks, will be the focal point of discussions at the upcoming GovWare Conference 2021, set to take place from October 5-7. The event promises to bring together some of the world’s top cyber security experts from both the public and private sectors to explore strategies for tackling these emerging threats.
As more people embrace digital services, such as online shopping and cashless payments, the risk of cyber attacks continues to rise. For a seemingly simple transaction to be secure, it must undergo multiple layers of protection, from verifying the authenticity of the online store to securing the buyer’s data. However, recent breaches, such as the Kaseya attack in July, have shown how vulnerable the IT infrastructure of businesses and their customers can be to cyber criminals.
The rise of supply chain attacks has become a major concern. These attacks target third-party suppliers to infiltrate the networks of businesses and government entities. The SolarWinds hack last year, which affected US government agencies, is one of the most high-profile examples. Hackers were able to exploit the network monitoring software, installing malware that allowed them to spy on organisations worldwide.
According to Eva Chen, co-founder and CEO of Trend Micro, the rise in these attacks has shifted the focus to monitoring trusted software using AI and machine learning to detect any signs of tampering. In Singapore, the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) has raised alarms over the growing threat of such attacks, urging businesses to adopt a “zero-trust” model that ensures constant verification of user identities even within trusted networks.
While supply chain attacks remain a significant challenge, ransomware and phishing attacks are also on the rise, with a 154% increase in ransomware incidents reported in Singapore from 2019 to 2020. These attacks have become more targeted, focusing on large businesses for higher ransom payouts. According to CSA, prevention through stronger identity management and data protection will be key to combating these threats.
At the GovWare Conference, industry leaders, including General (Ret) Keith Alexander of IronNet Cybersecurity and Tim Brown of SolarWinds, will discuss the latest trends in cyber security and share valuable lessons learned from previous attacks. The event will emphasise the importance of collaboration and learning from past experiences to build stronger cyber defences.
David Koh, CEO of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, highlighted the challenges of securing digital infrastructure in the age of rapid digitalisation, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the shift to online services. The conference aims to foster discussions on innovative solutions and strategies to tackle cyber security risks, enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
