Singapore To Cut Internet Access For Government Computers

Singapore will cut Internet off from government computers starting May next year to safeguard official data from cybercriminals, says Reuters, quoting the country’s media. However, there will be a few dedicated computers with Internet access and employees will be allowed to surf the web on their mobile devices, reports add.

This decision, which will affect 100,000 computers, was taken after the government became victim to a number of “very sophisticated” cyber attacks in the past. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has acknowledged that the move would slow them down but said it was also absolutely necessary.

Critics have questioned Lee’s decision in the face of Singapore’s push to become a “smart nation” but Lee defended it, saying “It's not to do with being liberal or not being liberal … It's about being safe and secure and doing what is necessary."

Singapore has for years come under attack from cybercriminals who have also hacked into Lee’s website and stolen clients data from Standard Chartered Bank.

Read full story on Reuters.