Nationwide phishing test to be part of Exercise SG Ready for first time

It aims to help firms assess their cyber resilience in the face of such attacks

- Andrew Wong

Some 200 businesses from different industries will take part in phishing exercises conducted by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to test their cyber resilience.

The e-mails - which will be sent out to around 7,000 employees over two weeks from Feb 15 to 28 - also aim to help the businesses review continuity plans in the face of such attacks.

This is all part of Exercise SG Ready 2025 that was launched by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on Feb 15, with this second edition introducing a nationwide phishing exercise.

Mindef said participating companies can use the results to assess for and identify any vulnerabilities, and work to shore up their defences.

This comes as the strengthening of the six pillars of Total Defence becomes more important as Singapore faces more complex challenges, according to DPM Gan. The six pillars are economic, social, civil, digital, psychological and military.

DPM Gan, who is also Trade and Industry Minister, said the entire nation has a role to play to ensure that the Republic stays vigilant and prepared in the face of disruptions.

"Total Defence is everyone's business. Through this exercise, we hope that everyone will be more aware of potential disruptions and be more familiar with the contingency plans that allow them to go about their daily routines and live their life normally," he added.