Parliament passes amendments to Computer Misuse Act

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http://www.todayonline.com/Hotnews/EDC130114-0000115/Parliament-passes-amendments-to-Computer-Misuse-Act

Parliament has passed amendments to the Computer Misuse Act to provide the Government with greater ability to work with stakeholders and take timely actions against cyber threats to Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).

The Act was last amended in 2003 to strengthen Singapore's defence against cyber attacks.

Speaking in Parliament, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran said the cyber threats of today are highly sophisticated and malicious, so the legislative framework must keep pace with the nature of the evolving cyber threat.

"I want to assure the House that these enhanced powers which come with safeguards will be used judiciously, the powers will be invoked to avert threats that may endanger our national security, essential services, defence or the foreign relations of Singapore," said Mr Iswaran.

One key amendment is to allow the Home Affairs Minister to issue a certificate to authorise a person or an organisation to take measures necessary to prevent, detect or counter cyber attacks.

Non-compliance with the Minister's directions is also a criminal offence.

Offenders can be fined up to S$50,000 or jailed for no more than 10 years or both. The Amendment Bill also seeks to rename the Act as the Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act.