Singapore moves to cut off cyber threats before they reach users

Senior Minister K Shanmugam (right) says Singapore is working on a new strategy to stop malicious websites before they strike. — Picture from Facebook/K Shanmugam Sc

First Published: Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 5:01 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 13 — Singapore will develop a national Protective Domain Name Service (PDNS) to block connections to known malicious domains before they can pose a threat to users.

Senior Minister K. Shanmugam said the service was expected to help reduce users’ exposure to phishing attacks, scams, malware and other cyber threats by preventing connections to domains identified as malicious.

The initiative is part of Singapore’s Cybersecurity Strategy 2026, launched on Tuesday at the opening of Singapore International Cybersecurity Week (SICW), where Shanmugam outlined the republic’s plans to strengthen national cyber defence.

Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, said the strategy signalled a shift towards a more proactive approach to national cyber defence amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI)-related cyber threats.

He said the strategy, now in its third edition, underscored the need for Singapore to respond earlier, adopt a coordinated national approach and act at the speed of emerging cyber threats.

“It will cover how we will strengthen our critical infrastructure and wider cyberspace; build capabilities for AI and quantum; deepen our global partnerships; and invest in our cybersecurity ecosystem and workforce,” he said.

Shanmugam said Singapore would progressively deploy AI across its national cyber defence operations, including within the National Cybersecurity Command Centre and the Government Cyber Security Operations Centre.

“We will also work with industry and technology partners to speed up the adoption of AI-enabled cyber defence capabilities,” he said.

He said the ultimate objective of Singapore’s Cybersecurity Strategy was to safeguard the trust underpinning its digital economy and society while preserving the republic’s ability to remain open and connected amid a rapidly changing global landscape. — Bernama