By Shaun Maximusp
Pardon me but I do have misgivings about this Defence Cyber Organization that was announced but only days ago.
Let’s not mince words, I’m wary of this Defence Cyber Organization (DCO) that is about to begin operations. It is a signals intelligence (SIGINT) organization. Other than for the publicly stated purpose (e.g. of protecting and securing the SAF and its personnel ostensibly because of the theft of personal data belonging to some 850 of our national servicemen) as well as the unstated i.e. possibly clandestine (espionage and counterespionage and in keeping with our alliance with Uncle Sam and events stemming from the recent Terrex and Spratlys fiascoes, the People’s Republic of China as the principal protagonist), it’ll be equipped with the means to do a lot more damage. Please read on.
However with the coming online of the DCO under MINDEF, knowing the murky nature of the military in general i.e. the almost absolute total lack of transparency and accountability where anything to do with the Army is concerned, especially an organization staffed by some 2,600, I am really worried as to where this will lead us to. A fully fledged Police State where the authorities can just wantonly snoop around, eavesdrop, intercept, sabotage our private communication and communication systems (if and when they want or are instructed by the powers that be to do so) anytime they want? I am surprised that almost no one has remotely raised even the slightest disquiet at the prospect of a looming police state, at least in regards to ensuring that their very own privacy and online security be respected, ensured and enhanced.
Read: Government’s deafening silence on surveillance malware
Of equal relevance, Mr Low, to his credit, had also in Committee of Supply 2015 debate delivered on 9 March 2015 asked for an update on the transition to the then new Cyber Security Agency (CSA) i.e. in how it plans to safeguard cyber security and how it will integrate into and interact with the rest of our security framework. Mr Low also wanted to know how the National Cyber Security R&D Programme will complement existing efforts in safeguarding cyber security. I am still curious if you folks are satisfied with and appeased by the government’s replies. In particular, to the questions on Privacy Impact Assessments posed by Leon Perera. Are you?
Update: Article amended to reflect comments made by Workers’ Party on privacy issues in Parliament.