Singapore targeted by a “serious” cyber attack – Liberation

Singapore is faced with a «grave» Cyberattaque targeting its critical infrastructure, carried out according to experts by a cyberspionaling group linked to China, which strongly denied this Saturday, July 19.

The Chinese Embassy in Singapore “Firmly opposes any untreated disparaging of China”. For example, ensuring in a press release that “China is one of the main victims of computer attacks”.

This attack. Moreover. which testifies to an advanced computer hack called Advanced persist Threat (Apt, “advanced persistent threat” in French), represents a serious danger for Singapore and could compromise national security, revealed Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam during a speech. For example, “I can say that the singapore targeted “serious” cyber attack new attack is serious and that it is underway. It was awarded to the UNC3886 group ”, said Shanmugam, also Minister of the Interior.

The latter did not provide any details on the sponsors of this group. but UNC3886 was identified by Mandiant. a cybersecurity company held by Google, as a cyberspionaling group linked to China, involved in attacks on a global scale.

“At a time when I speak to you. UNC3886 is in the process of attacking our critical infrastructure”. said the minister, adding that the Singapore cybersecurity agency and the competent authorities are working to manage the situation.

The Apt is a very sophisticated type of hacking which. with significant resources. generally aims to steal sensitive information and disrupt essential services such as health, telecommunications, water, transport and electricity, detailed the minister.

“If the attack succeeded, it could allow espionage operations and cause serious disturbances for Singapore and its population”, he warned.

A successful intrusion into the Singapore electricity supply system. for example, could interrupt the distribution of energy and have cascade effects on essential services such as health and transport. “There are also economic consequences. Our banks, airports and industries could stop working. Our economy could be strongly affected ”, he added.

The Minister said that between 2021 and 2024, suspected attacks of the Apt against Singapore had been multiplied by more than four.

A cyber attack against a public health company in 2018 had enabled access to medical records of around 160. 000 patients, including that of former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

The attack on the critical infrastructure of Singapore “Highlights the extraordinary challenges posed by singapore targeted “serious” cyber attack new the Apt”. said Satnam Narang, research engineer for the American tenable cybersecurity company.

And underline: “Fighting singapore targeted “serious” cyber attack such stealth adversaries is becoming more. more difficult, as the extent and complexity of IT infrastructure that organizations and nations must defend continue to grow.”

Update at 2:38 p.m. with the reaction of China.