Cybersecurity Experts Sound the Alarm on Rising Threats

At a recent cybersecurity conference in Singapore, experts emphasized the urgent need for organizations to adopt a criminal mindset to bolster their defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. Clarence Cai, Chief of Defence Cyber in Singapore, warned that critical infrastructures such as ports, utilities, and telecommunications are becoming prime targets for malicious actors.

The New Age of Cyber Warfare: AI-Enhanced Threats

Cai highlighted that the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) complicates the cybersecurity landscape significantly. "This threat landscape goes on steroids when you add AI," he stated, urging companies to harness AI to preemptively anticipate attackers' tactics.

During his keynote at ST Engineering’s Cybersecurity Summit 2025, he stressed the importance of adopting a dynamic, adaptable mindset akin to that of attackers. "Defenders often operate with a checklist approach, which gives cybercriminals an edge. To level the playing field, we must learn to think like them," he asserted.

Training Tomorrow's Defenders Today

Cai pointed to Singapore's Cyber Defence Test and Evaluation Centre (CyTEC), established in 2015, as a model for training cybersecurity professionals. CyTEC provides a virtual environment for testing cybersecurity skills and responses, allowing teams to simulate various threats. "Here, our most promising cyber talents, including national servicemen, create AI-driven workflows to enhance defense strategies," he explained.

Non-Kinetic Threats Impacting More Than We Think

He also addressed the misconception that cyber attacks are exclusively a concern for large corporations. Citing a cyber breach at British retailer Marks & Spencer that resulted in a staggering £300 million in losses, Cai remarked, "The digital equivalent of a T-72 tank has likely rolled in, so we can’t disregard the severity of these threats."

Call to Action: Prepare Now or Suffer Later

In a rallying cry for organizations of all sizes, David Koh, CEO of Singapore's Cyber Security Agency, emphasized that cybersecurity is essential for any digital progress. "If you want to drive fast, you need good brakes. Similarly, to thrive in a digital economy, robust cybersecurity is paramount," he urged.

Koh further stated that enhancing the security posture of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) could create a ripple effect, strengthening the entire supply chain. He highlighted that a staggering 80% of organizations in Singapore experienced a cyber incident in 2023, with severe impacts on operations and reputation.

The Underestimated Danger of SMEs

Many SMEs mistakenly believe they are too minor to be targeted, but Koh cautioned against this mindset. "Threat actors often target smaller companies as gateways to infiltrate larger firms," he noted, emphasizing the cascading effects a breach can have on entire sectors.

As the conference wrapped up, a clear message echoed: Organizations must not wait for disaster to strike but should proactively prepare for the inevitable. “Let us not be remembered for what we failed to protect but for what we had the foresight to prepare for,” concluded Koh.