STRENGTHENING THE MILITARY CYBERSECURITY FRONT

A strong military cyber network can help a fighting force to integrate better, sense faster, move quicker and fight sharper. But it also needs an airtight defence to keep out saboteurs.

With this in mind, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conceptualised the SAF C4 Command to coordinate and implement C4 (Command, Control, Communications and Computers) and cyber defence operations and capabilities. The command was inaugurated at Hillview Camp on 15 Nov with Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Perry Lim as the Reviewing Officer.

On the importance of the SAF C4 Command in balancing connectivity with cybersecurity, LG Lim said: "This balance is a pre-requisite for a coordinated response to dynamic situations, and can make or break the mission.

"With the inauguration of the SAF C4 Command, we will be able to more effectively achieve operational synergy between C4 and cyber defence, while having dedicated and distinct groups to maintain the required professional tensions between the two domains."

Led by Colonel (COL) Percival Goh, the SAF C4 Command comprises the existing C4 Operations Group (C4OG) and newly-established Cyber Defence Group (CDG).

"The SAF relies on strong networks to fight as an integrated force across a spectrum of operations. Thus, it is paramount that we defend these networks to secure our means of communication and information edge," explained COL Goh on the need for a strong military cybersecurity front.

The C4OG operates and manages the SAF's strategic networks and resources and comprises two operational units - a Network Operations Unit and a Network Monitoring Unit.

The CDG, which was inaugurated at the same parade, is headed by Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Yeo Lip Khoon. It comprises a Security Monitoring Unit, and an Incident Response and Audit Unit. The two units will conduct 24/7 security monitoring of the SAF's military networks, coordinate cyber defence responses, and audit the security of the SAF's military networks and systems. It also comprises the Cyber Defence Test and Evaluation Centre, or CyTEC, which provides facilities for network security testing, cyber defence tools evaluation, and the conduct of cyber defence training and exercises.

While under the command of Headquarter (HQ) SAF C4 Command, the CDG will also take direction from the Ministry of Defence's Defence Cyber Organisation on policy and capability development.

The CDG will be staffed by Regulars and national servicemen, including Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs).

"We have selected NSFs who have shown interest and demonstrated competency in the fields of network management and cyber defence to be part of the SAF C4 Command family to maximise the potential of our NSFs," SLTC Yeo said.

During the parade, LG Lim unveiled the commemorative inauguration plaques for the SAF C4 Command and CDG.

Earlier in the day, an Assumption of Command parade was held, during which COL Goh was sworn in as Commander SAF C4 Command and SLTC Yeo was sworn in as Commander CDG. Command patches were also presented to the parade participants, which comprised soldiers from C4OG, CDG and HQ SAF C4 Command. The parade was witnessed by Chief Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, Brigadier-General (BG) Ong Tze-Ch'in.