S'pore cyber-related trust marks enhanced to meet emerging risks

Firms can now have new areas in cloud, AI and operational technology certified

- Krist Boo

A trust mark of good cyber-security practices has given such a boost to technology firm Ascent Solutions that it is reapplying to keep its mark for another three years, even though it will not get a subsidy.

In all, after hiring consultants and auditors, the firm expects to pay about $10,000, similar to when it first got the Cyber Trust mark issued by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) in 2022.

Previously, however, almost 70 per cent of the cost was offset by government grants.

But the premium that the mark brings is worth it, said the firm's director of professional services and data protection officer, Mr Daniel Chan. "When we got (the Cyber Trust mark) in 2022, it really opened doors. We faced less resistance when it came to participating in tenders. We were invited to larger project tenders as well. At the same time, it gave assurances to partner companies when they made referrals," he said.

Having the mark on its website alone, Mr Chan added, reassured prospective clients that the 50-employee firm specialising in supply chain logistics track-and-trace technology had the requisite cyber security.