Singtel on Sept 20 launched the Cyber Elevate Programme, a holistic one-stop training and cyber incident management programme, aimed at improving the cyber security resilience of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), at the Singtel Cyber Security Institute (CSI).
The programme, the first-of-its-kind in Singapore, is specifically designed to equip SMEs with the necessary capabilities and skillsets to prepare, detect, respond, and recover from cyber attacks at affordable rates. It includes an audit of a company’s cyber risk profile, mentorship workshops on the best cyber security practices and legal and forensics support by key partners who will render vital assistance to the SMEs in the event of a cyber attack.
This ensures that SMEs are able to identify and protect their digital assets before an attack and receive critical counsel and guidance on how to swiftly resolve the operational issues, communicate with authorities and customers after an attack as well as implement recovery measures to resume operations.
The two-day workshop will include three components: audit (cyber risk assessment of the company), mentorship (training and workshops) and support (legal and incident response services). Post-workshop, SMEs will be eligible for a one-time support each by legal and incident response partners, within 12 months of completing the workshop; government subsidy; and one-year cloud backup service.
Businesses can take up the programme at subsidised rates of up to 90% because Singtel CSI is part of the SkillsFuture Queen Bee network. Appointed by SkillsFuture Singapore, the SkillsFuture Queen Bee is an industry leader with strong sectoral expertise, network, industry standing and ability to champion skills development in other companies, especially the SMEs.
“If large organisations are grappling with the challenge of cyber risks, think about what the average SME is going through. Due to resource limitations or a lack of know-how, SMEs may not have the right defences, making them far more vulnerable to cyber attacks. Dealing with a cyber incident can be an incredibly overwhelming and expensive exercise involving complex processes, multiple stakeholders and business disruption,” says Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore.
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“That’s why we’ve designed this programme with the SME in mind, so they can be armed with the fundamentals of how to respond and recover when attacked. As a home-grown leading technology company, we want to do our part to support our SMEs and the eco-system so they can succeed in a digital economy,” adds Ng.
