Singapore: Cybersecurity concerns have intensified in Singapore after reports emerged claiming that nearly 255 organisations linked to the country’s Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) were targeted following a dark web data leak.
The leaked set reportedly contains around 12,000 documents alleging intrusions into companies operating in sensitive sectors such as telecommunications, energy and finance. However, authorities have not confirmed any actual breach based on the available evidence.
The documents are said to have originated from a group that publicly presented itself as a cybersecurity firm but was allegedly involved in hacking operations. For security reasons, investigation agencies have not disclosed the name of the group.
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Leak Claims Raise Alarm Over Critical Sectors
Cybersecurity experts have suggested that the incident could be related to state-backed cyber operations. A senior advisor at the Google Threat Intelligence Group, Lim Yihao, said some documents indicated possible cooperation between private contractors and state-associated elements.
However, he cautioned that it is too early to attribute responsibility to any specific country, noting that the documents could also be fabricated or used for disinformation purposes.
Experts warned that the complexity of cyberattacks is increasing, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) becoming primary targets. Many SMEs form part of the digital supply chain by providing services such as logistics, software development and engineering support to larger infrastructure operators.
Origins of the Dataset Under Scrutiny
According to the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, suspected advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks increased more than fourfold between 2021 and 2024 in Singapore. Telecommunication networks are considered particularly attractive for intelligence collection because access to such systems may allow monitoring of communication patterns, mobility data and other sensitive information.
Cybersecurity analysts said attackers often operate through multiple overlapping roles. Some groups conduct ransomware operations, others function as initial access brokers selling network entry points, while politically or ideologically motivated hacktivist groups may also participate in such campaigns. The blending of these roles makes attribution and investigation more difficult.
SMEs Seen as Vulnerable Entry Points
Cyber threat risks have become a major challenge for the SME sector. In 2024, ransomware incidents in Singapore rose by about 21 per cent, with 159 cases reported. Manufacturing and professional services were among the most affected sectors, and most attacks targeted smaller businesses.
Security firms noted that the actual number of SME cyber incidents could be higher than official statistics because many companies do not voluntarily report attacks. Cost constraints and lack of technical expertise also hinder the implementation of strong cybersecurity measures.
Business groups believe that more companies will adopt artificial intelligence-based digital solutions in the coming years, which could make cybersecurity management more complex. Some experts have suggested linking cybersecurity standards to participation in government projects to encourage stronger security adoption among companies.
Strengthening Defences Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Authorities have announced several initiatives to strengthen the cybersecurity framework. There is increased emphasis on tightening security standards for organisations involved in the digital supply chain and ensuring timely reporting of security incidents.
International cooperation and monitoring of cross-border cyber threats are also being strengthened. While no specific country or group has been directly blamed, experts believe cyber espionage activities may increase amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Investigation agencies are continuing to verify the authenticity of the leaked documents and are analysing the technical aspects of the alleged network intrusion.
