CSA launches Cybersecurity Industry Call for Innovation 2023 with Challenge Statements by Three End-Users

More than 50 Proposals Received for CyberCall 2022, Four Proposals Selected

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), together with National University of Singapore (NUS) Enterprise, launched the Cybersecurity Industry Call for Innovation 2023 (CyberCall 2023) today. The launch was announced by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Smart Nation and Cybersecurity at the Cybersecurity Innovation Day 2023 held today, 29 September 2023, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

2      The CyberCall initiative, first launched in 2018, seeks to catalyse the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions. Through this, CSA aims to strengthen organisations’ cyber resilience and at the same time provide opportunities for cybersecurity companies to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that shows potential to be applied in many organisations’ systems.  Each selected solution that fulfils the eligibility criteria may receive a funding of up to S$1,000,000 under CSA’s Cybersecurity Co-Innovation and Development Fund (CCDF).

CyberCall 2023

3      This year’s CyberCall is looking for proposals in the following areas: 

a. Cybersecurity for Artificial intelligence (AI) 

To safeguard AI systems and the data they process from various cyber attacks in order to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, trustworthiness and reliability of AI applications in an increasingly connected and digital world.

b. Using AI for cybersecurity

To harness the power of AI to strengthen organisations’ cyber defences to protect their systems, data and networks, improve threat detection, and respond more effectively to cyber attacks.

c. Operational Technology (OT) / Internet of Things (IoT) security

To safeguard critical infrastructure, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and internet-connected devices from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. 

d. Cloud security

To safeguard infrastructure, data and applications hosted in cloud environments, while maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of resources in the cloud.

e. Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PET)

To safeguard the privacy of individuals and confidentiality of their data while using systems and digital services, thereby empowering individuals to manage their data securely and complying with privacy regulations.

4      CSA has put together three challenge statements provided by end-users – HTX, GIC and SHEIN They are:

a. a lightweight solution to prevent exploitation of IP-based camera and Network Video Recorder (NVR) vulnerabilities [Operational Technology (OT) / Internet of Things (IoT) security].

b. a solution that can connect to multiple Cloud Service Providers (CSPs) to track and monitor Identity & Access Management (IAM) permissions automatically using User and Entity Behaviour Analytics (UEBA) to enable easy governance and permission updates  [Cloud security].

c. a machine-learning model that can accurately detect online and offline bot traffic in event tracking data while adhering to privacy requirements for the e-commerce industry [AI for cybersecurity]. 

5      Submissions of proposals that address cybersecurity concerns in any sector, not limiting to the challenging statements identified above, are also welcomed. 

6      The closing date for CyberCall 2023 submissions is 30 November 2023. Cybersecurity companies whose proposals are shortlisted will be invited to present their proposals for discussion with the participating end-users for potential co-innovation, adoption and test bedding. The proposed solutions should be ready for testing and deployment within a 24-month timeframe and should be of Technology Readiness¹ Level 6 and above.

7      More information on CyberCall 2023 and challenge statements can be found at https://CyberCall.sg.

Four Proposals from CyberCall 2022 Selected

8      Four proposals were selected from more than 50 proposals submitted at CyberCall 2022, from a competitive process involving reviews from end-users, a technical review panel as well as a CSA panel. The selected proposals were in the areas of privacy in cloud forensics, Operational Technology security, and open-source supply chain security.  Details can be found in Annex A.

¹ Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a type of measurement system used to assess the maturity level of a particular technology. Each technology project is evaluated against the parameters for each technology level and is then assigned a TRL rating based on the projects progress. There are nine technology readiness levels. TRL 1 is the lowest and TRL 9 is the highest. (Source: NASA)

Annex B - Quotes from Past and Current End-Users 

About the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore 

Established in 2015, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) seeks to keep Singapore’s cyberspace safe and secure to underpin our Nation Security, power a Digital Economy and protect our Digital Way of Life. It maintains an oversight of national cybersecurity functions and works with sector leads to protect Singapore’s Critical Information Infrastructure. CSA also engages with various stakeholders to heighten cyber security awareness, build a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem supported by a robust workforce, pursue international partnerships and drive regional cybersecurity capacity building programmes. 

CSA is part of the Prime Minister’s Office and is managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information. For more news and information, please visit www.csa.gov.sg.