Jess Ng, Country Head, Singapore and Brunei, Fortinet, analyses how ready Singapore is to say ‘yes’.
According to the World Economic Forum, the way that countries worldwide are grappling with the challenges posed by record-breaking extreme weather events reveal the shortcomings in current climate adaptation efforts and current resources are insufficient to address the scale and intensity of these climate events.
A key question that world leaders must address in the wake of this harsh reality is: Can your critical infrastructure withstand climate-related risks?
Singapore is eager to say “Yes.” The country heavily relies on natural gas to meet its energy demands. Currently, about 40% of Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions stem from the power sector and the urban heat island effect certainly doesn’t help. It’s also a hindrance to the goal of achieving net zero by 2050.
Leveraging an entrenched “whole-of-society” approach
Singapore’s advantage is the relative cohesion between public and private sectors in reducing collective carbon footprint.
For instance, initiatives like smart charging (V1G) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies are transforming transportation by leveraging sustainable energy solutions in Singapore. Investments in technologies such as Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are also expanding to address the intermittency gaps of solar energy and to enhance overall network stability. Not to mention, ESS’ quick response capabilities during cloudy periods that help ensure reliable power supply.
These efforts need to also be borne out vis-a-vis critical infrastructures. Unfortunately, as things stand, electric grids, natural gas pipelines, and transportation networks are generally not equipped to support such change.
Singapore’s networking capabilities put to the test
For Singapore to increase its reliance on renewable and clean energy sources, its electric utilities must implement robust, secure communication networks – ones that can integrate diverse sources of distributed energy resources into a modern grid system.
Advanced networking capabilities is the answer to a resilient power grid. Not only do they enable seamless integration of IT and OT components, but they also facilitate real-time electricity transfer from various sources like solar installations, utility-scale solar farms, wind farms, hydroelectric plants, and imported energy.
Moreover, smart grid networks support continuous bidirectional communication and automated processes critical for monitoring electricity usage and system health across multiple locations.
Yet, these networking capabilities require equally robust security measures in place, which we cannot afford to overlook.
Critical infrastructure security must be top of mind
Cybercriminals from around the globe are consistently targeting critical infrastructure sectors. Breaches in infrastructure systems such as electric grids or oil pipelines can have catastrophic consequences, disrupting essential services, damaging industry reputation and incurring substantial remediation costs. Vital services like electricity and natural gas when disrupted can endanger vulnerable populations such as seniors and those reliant on medical devices.
It only takes one compromised password to grant cybercriminals easy access to critical infrastructure systems. That’s before accounting for insider threats.
According to a Fortinet survey, 82% said insider threat incidents were surging due to remote work environments. Insufficient training, lack of employee care and inadequate communication were also fingered, further highlighting the critical need to address human factors in cybersecurity.
Additionally, on average, there is only one Security Operation professional for every 190 employees in Singapore, each managing about 30 alerts daily. This workload places significant pressure on cybersecurity professionals, allowing them approximately 16 minutes to address each alert within an 8-hour workday. The time constraint underscores the necessity for efficient processes, automation, and prioritisation to effectively manage the workload.
A Zero Trust Approach for a Net Zero Future
Amid all these challenges, it is crucial that the organisations who run our critical infrastructure can effectively vet all users and devices – be they internal or external – on the network. That’s especially true as this new digitised paradigm introduces new vulnerabilities by eviscerating the traditional gap between operational technology (OT) networks and information technology (IT) systems.
Moreover, physical security measures are essential components of a holistic risk management strategy. Surveillance systems, access controls, and perimeter defences must be robustly implemented to safeguard critical infrastructure against physical threats such as sabotage, natural disasters, or accidents.
Towards a Secure and Fortified Net Zero Future
Securing Singapore’s critical infrastructure is not just about ensuring reliable utility services; it is about safeguarding the nation’s economic vitality, public safety and global competitiveness. Advanced networking capabilities, rigorous cybersecurity measures and robust physical security protocols must be Singapore’s priority if it wants to effectively navigate the evolving threat landscape and advance towards more resilient and sustainable energy mix.
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