Singapore flags ‘serious threat' from suspected Chinese hackers targeting critical infrastructure
'UNC3886 poses a serious threat to us, and has the potential to undermine our national security,' Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam said in a speech. 'It is going after high value strategic threat targets, vital infrastructure that delivers essential services.'
He did not give details of the attacks, citing security risks, nor of any consequences.
Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant has described UNC3886 as a 'China-nexus espionage group' that has attacked defence, technology and telecommunications organizations in the US and Asia.
Beijing routinely denies any allegations of cyberespionage, and says it opposes all forms of cyberattacks and is in fact a victim of such threats. The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent after office hours.
Singapore's critical infrastructure sectors include energy, water, banking, finance, healthcare, transport, government, communication, media, as well as security and emergency services, according to the country's cyber agency.
Reuters earlier this week reported that the Taiwanese semiconductor industry and investment analysts had been targeted by Chinese-linked hackers as part of a string of cyber espionage campaigns. — Reuters
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
15 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Dr M's call for snap polls illogical and irresponsible, says DAP MP
DAP MP Syahredzan Johan (left) said Dr Mahathir Mohamad's time had passed and the former prime minister must now allow others to lead the country. PETALING JAYA : Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan has dismissed former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's call for a snap election as 'illogical', saying the public wants political stability, not another election. In a statement, Syahredzan said such a demand is irresponsible, especially at a time when Malaysia and the rest of the world are facing turbulent conditions, from global trade wars to military conflicts. 'The majority of Malaysians do not want an election right now. They want a stable government,' he said. He said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had just tabled the 13th Malaysia Plan amid global uncertainties, including impending US tariff decisions and ongoing regional conflicts, such as the border tension between Thailand and Cambodia which continued to loom large. 'Malaysia is not exempt from these global headwinds. What we need now is a steady government, helmed by a leader who can steer the country through these storms,' Syahredzan said. Earlier today, Mahathir urged Anwar to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for a general election. 'If Anwar is truly brave, he should just dissolve Parliament and call for a general election now. He has nothing to fear – after all, his allies claim only 15,000 people attended the rally. Surely, he will win,' he said in a Facebook post. Mahathir was referring to the Turun Anwar rally last Saturday, which was held to call for Anwar's resignation. About 18,000 people took part in the rally, according to police, although the organisers, PAS Youth, claimed that more than 200,000 participants were present. Syahredzan urged Mahathir to respect the country's democratic process and the timeline of the current Parliament. 'Elections will come when the time is right. But that time is not now. The parliamentary term hasn't even reached its maturity. 'To Mahathir, please – your time has passed. We still respect you, but now is the time for others to lead the country,' he added. He warned that the future of the people and the next generation should not be gambled away to serve the ego and self-interests of a few politicians.
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Govt to boost creative economy, prioritise animation sector
Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said MyCreative Ventures would manage funding while Finas would oversee certification and licensing. KUALA LUMPUR : The government is focusing on strengthening the creative economy to boost Malaysia's competitiveness and produce high-value content for both the local and international markets. Communications minister Fahmi Fadzil said the aim is to develop commercially viable works that can be exported, while also nurturing talent and expanding the creative industry's value chain. 'We hope these efforts will increase our competitiveness through the production of works with high commercial value for local and international enjoyment, including the exports of IPs,' he said at a press conference after the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today. Fahmi said his ministry would direct MyCreative Ventures to manage funding while Finas would oversee certification and licensing – particularly in line with the government's focus on animation. He said this follows Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's instruction to prioritise the animation sector. Fahmi also announced a nationwide online briefing tonight to grassroots leaders to explain the government's initiatives under the 13MP. 'When we support grassroots efforts in spreading government aspirations, the people benefit in the long run,' he said. Earlier today, Anwar tabled the 13MP in the Dewan Rakyat, which included major reforms to the education and economic systems, and policies for an ageing population.
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Johor-S'pore discuss second RTS link to connect Tuas, Iskandar Puteri
Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi met with Singapore prime minister Lawrence Wong for almost an hour. (Bernama pic) JOHOR BAHRU : The proposal to establish a second Rapid Transit System (RTS2) Link to connect Tuas and Iskandar Puteri was among the key topics discussed by Johor and Singapore today. Johor menteri besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the matter was raised during his meeting with Singapore prime minister Lawrence Wong at The Istana in the republic. He said other matters relating to cooperation between Johor and Singapore were discussed at the meeting which lasted almost an hour. 'This meeting is not just a symbol of the close relationship between the two neighbouring countries, but also reflects the shared determination to take Johor-Singapore cooperation to a more strategic and holistic level,' Onn Hafiz said in a statement. The 4km RTS project connecting Bukit Chagar in Johor Bahru to Woodlands North in Singapore is expected to be completed in December 2026 and begin operations in early 2027. The rail transport system is capable of carrying up to 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Onn Hafiz is currently on a three-day official visit to Singapore, starting yesterday, at the invitation of its foreign minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
