The Centre is unique as it functions as a Learning Enterprise where Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics students will support walk-in clients using leading industry technologies and processes. 

Global ransomware damage costs are predicted to exceed US$265 billion by 2031, with a new attack occurring every 2 seconds, according to the world’s leading researcher, Cybersecurity Ventures. Today, beyond financial gains, ransomware has increasingly become an instrument of geo-political power, targeting critical sectors like the healthcare, financial, energy, telecommunication and manufacturing industries.

In its annual report on Singapore’s cyber landscape, released in July 21, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) stated that there were 89 ransomware cases reported in 2020, a 154 per cent rise from the 35 cases reported in the previous year. As Singapore’s exceedingly digitalised society with pronounced internet penetration makes it an attractive and vulnerable target for ransomware groups, it is crucial for companies, institutions and the nation as a whole, to increase both vigilance and awareness about evolving cybercrime threats.

Malware Analysis Centre at TP

Responding to the urgent need for more people to be trained in the mitigation of such vulnerabilities, Temasek Polytechnic (TP) in collaboration with ST Engineering, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike Inc., set up a Malware Analysis Centre which focuses on training students from the Diploma in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics, in the detection and identification of malware, and forensics investigations. The Centre is unique as it functions as a Learning Enterprise where the students support walk-in clients using leading industry technologies and processes. 

The Malware Analysis Centre at Temasek Polytechnic was launched today by Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information.

TP takes in approximately 200 full-time students into its cybersecurity course each year. All of them will have a chance to undergo training in malware analysis at the Centre and selected students will also undertake their internship there, servicing the laptops of students who suspect their devices have been compromised by malware.

Mr Peter Lam, Principal & CEO, Temasek Polytechnic said: “In recent years, companies have realised the importance of having a keen understanding of malware and build up capability to mitigate threats posed by malware. This is critical for companies to ensure cybersecurity and protect their assets. Therefore, it is critical for TP to develop talents in malware analysis to support industry needs. Our students will benefit from the strong partnership that we have established with ST Engineering, CrowdStrike., and Palo Alto Networks. Together with other cybersecurity centres in TP (such as the TALENT Lab – a cyber-range set up with the Ministry of Home Affairs), the Malware Analysis Centre will provide students valuable opportunities to learn from industry leaders in cybersecurity, acquire deep, practical experience and obtain in-demand industry knowledge and skills.”

Our Partners

Experts from ST Engineering, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike Inc., will work closely with TP to impart knowledge and skills in handling and analysing malware, and operations at the Centre.

Beyond ongoing technical training to enrich the knowledge and skills of both TP staff and students in the areas of malware analysis, security operations, threat intelligence and digital forensics, these partners will also make available staff as guest lecturers on IT security related subjects, and will provide students with first-hand real-life experiences, best practices and case studies to better prepare them for the industry.

“In a highly competitive and labour-starved cybersecurity industry, students with first-hand experience in live malware analysis and digital forensics, and other aspects of cybersecurity, will gain a competitive edge and potentially a shorter learning curve when they enter the workforce, said Mr Goh Eng Choon, President, Cyber, ST Engineering.  “This also benefits employers like us to team up with industry partners and Temasek Polytechnic to jointly develop their Malware Analysis Centre to build up cybersecurity competencies as we put in place the operational framework based on industry standards and best practices.”

“We are committed to offering progressive training for teaching staff, and extending support to Temasek Polytechnic’s Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics students through internships, scholarships, professional certifications and career development opportunities over the next three years,” added Mr Goh.  

“The evolving threat landscape and growing reach of cyberattacks underscore the urgent need to address the cybersecurity talent shortage,” said Vicky Ray, principal researcher, Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks. “As industry leaders, we are committed to developing technologies to mitigate these threats, while also providing the next-generation of cybersecurity specialists with foundational skills and learning opportunities to prepare them for the future of work. After all, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Protecting our digital way of life and enabling Singapore to thrive in a digital-first economy will require a collective effort from all.”

“As cybercrime grows and the adversaries continue to evolve their tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) there will be a greater need to develop cybersecurity skills and this initiative will help to deliver these skills,” said Jagdish Mahapatra, vice president of Asia for CrowdStrike. “To combat the adversaries, cybersecurity has to be cloud-native. It will be about predicting, protecting and preventing threats through advancement in machine learning models, but also about how this technology combines with human threat hunting and intelligence to provide the most robust security posture.”