
Singapore facing ‘serious' cyberattack, says minister
The attack, a kind of Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), poses a serious danger to the city-state, Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam said in a speech late Friday.
An APT refers to a cyberattack where an intruder establishes and maintains unauthorised access to a target, remaining undetected for a sustained period of time.
'I can say that it is serious and it is ongoing. And it has been identified to be UNC3886,' he said.
Shanmugam, who is also home affairs minister, did not elaborate on the group's sponsors or the origin of the attack.
But Google-owned cybersecurity firm Mandiant described UNC3886 as a 'highly adept China-nexus cyber espionage group'. APT actors typically steal sensitive information and disrupt essential services, such as healthcare, telecoms, water, transport and power, minister Shanmugam said.
'If it succeeds, it can conduct espionage and it can cause major disruption to Singapore and Singaporeans,' he added.
A successful breach of Singapore's power system, for example, could wreak havoc with the electricity supply, with knock-on effects on essential services, such as healthcare and transport.
'There are also economic implications. Our banks, airports and industries would not be able to operate. Our economy can be substantially affected,' he said.
Between 2021 and 2024, suspected APTs against Singapore increased more than fourfold.
A cyber breach on a public healthcare cluster in 2018 accessed the medication records of about 160,000 patients, including then-prime minister Lee Hsien Loong.
On Saturday, China's embassy in Singapore expressed 'strong dissatisfaction' with media reports linking UNC3886 to China.
In a statement, the embassy said it 'firmly opposes any unwarranted smearing of China' and that 'in fact, China is one of the main victims of cyberattacks'.
The statement added: 'China firmly opposes and cracks down on all forms of cyberattacks in accordance with the law. China does not encourage, support, or condone hacking activities.'
The attack on Singapore's critical infrastructure 'highlights the extraordinary challenges posed by APT actors,' said Satnam Narang, senior staff research engineer at US-based cybersecurity firm Tenable.
'Combating such stealthy opponents is becoming increasingly demanding as the scale and complexity of IT infrastructure that organisations and nations must defend continues to grow,' he said.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
President Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on USCENTCOM chief Gen Kurilla
President Asif Zardari confers Nishan-e-Imtiaz on US USCENTCOM Commander General Michael E Kurilla in Islamabad on July 26, 2025. Photo: ISPR Listen to article President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred the prestigious Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) award on General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his contributions to regional security and the strengthening of bilateral military ties, the military's media wing said. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Zardari presented the honour during a formal investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday. General Kurilla was recognised for his 'exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military cooperation' between Pakistan and the United States. 'General Kurilla's visionary leadership has been instrumental in fostering mutual understanding, enhancing defence collaboration, and deepening counterterrorism cooperation between the Pakistan Armed Forces and USCENTCOM,' the statement read. The Government of Pakistan has conferred the prestigious award of Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), in recognition of his exemplary service and pivotal role in advancing enduring military… — PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) July 26, 2025 The award reflects Pakistan's appreciation of General Kurilla's 'unwavering support' and highlights the growing depth of the military partnership between the two nations. During his visit, General Kurilla met with senior Pakistani leadership, including President Zardari and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Discussions focused on regional security, military-to-military engagement, and joint counterterrorism efforts, the statement added. Upon arrival at the Presidency, General Kurilla was presented with a Tri-Services Guard of Honour. The visit and high-level recognition underscore the strategic nature of Pakistan-US defence relations and reaffirm both countries' commitment to regional stability. Pakistan also hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference, bringing together senior military leaders from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in what is being hailed as a significant step toward strengthening regional security cooperation and military diplomacy. Read More: President Zardari honors Chinese General Li Qiaoming Organised under the theme 'Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace,' the high-profile gathering aimed at reinforcing security collaboration, enhancing joint training initiatives, and sharing best practices in counterterrorism and other defence-related areas, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, formally welcomed the delegations and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional stability.


Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Why are Thailand and Cambodia fighting along their border?
BANGKOK: Thailand and Cambodia are engaged in their worst fighting in over a decade, exchanging heavy artillery fire across their disputed border, with at least 16 people killed and tens of thousands displaced. Tensions began rising between the Southeast Asian neighbours in May, following the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief exchange of gunfire, and have steadily escalated since, triggering diplomatic spats and now, armed clashes. What is the current situation? Clashes broke out between the two countries early on Thursday along a disputed area abutting an ancient temple, rapidly spilling over to other areas along the contested frontier and heavy artillery exchanges continuing for a second straight day. Thailand recalled its ambassador to Phnom Penh on Wednesday and expelled Cambodia's envoy, in response to a second Thai soldier losing a limb to a landmine that Bangkok alleged had been laid recently by rival troops. Cambodia called that accusation baseless. Both sides accuse each other of firing the first shots that started the conflict on Thursday, which have so far claimed the lives of at least 15 civilians, most of them on the Thai side. Cambodia has deployed truck-mounted rocket launchers, which Thailand says have been used to target civilian areas, while the Thai armed forces despatched US-made F-16 fighter jets, using one to bomb military targets across the border. Thailand, Cambodia exchange heavy artillery as fighting rages for a second day Some 130,000 people have been evacuated from border areas in Thailand to safer locations, while some 12,000 families on the Cambodian side have been shifted away from the frontlines, according to local authorities. Where does the dispute originate? Thailand and Cambodia have for more than a century contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which was first mapped by France in 1907 when Cambodia was its colony. That map, which Thailand later contested, was based on an agreement that the border would be demarcated along the natural watershed line between the two countries. In 2000, the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Boundary Commission to peacefully address overlapping claims, but little progress has been made towards settling disputes. China says it is 'deeply concerned' over Thailand-Cambodia clash Claims over ownership of historical sites have raised nationalist tension between the two countries, notably in 2003 when rioters torched the Thai embassy and Thai businesses in Phnom Penh over an alleged remark by a Thai celebrity questioning jurisdiction over Cambodia's World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat temple. What were previous flashpoints? An 11th century Hindu temple called Preah Vihear, or Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, has been at the heart of the dispute for decades, with both Bangkok and Phnom Penh claiming historical ownership. The International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, but Thailand has continued to lay claim to the surrounding land. Tension escalated in 2008 after Cambodia attempted to list the Preah Vihear temple as a UNESCO World Heritage site, leading to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a weeklong exchange of artillery in 2011. Two years later, Cambodia sought interpretation of the 1962 verdict and the ICJ again ruled in its favour, saying the land around the temple was also part of Cambodia and ordering Thai troops to withdraw. What's behind recent troubles? Despite the historic rivalry, the current governments of Thailand and Cambodia enjoy warm ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia's Hun Sen. But nationalist sentiment has risen in Thailand after conservatives last year questioned the government's plan to negotiate with Cambodia to jointly explore energy resources in undemarcated maritime areas, warning such a move could risk Thailand losing the island of Koh Kood in the Gulf of Thailand. Tensions also rose in February when a group of Cambodians escorted by troops sang their national anthem at another ancient Hindu temple that both countries claim, Ta Moan Thom, before being stopped by Thai soldiers. An effort by then Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, to de-escalate the situation in a call last month with Hun Sen spectacularly backfired after a recording of the conversation was initially leaked and later released in full by the Cambodian leader. In the call, the 38-year-old prime minister appeared to criticize a Thai army commander and kowtow to Hun Sen, drawing public fury and a complaint from a group of senators, which led to her suspension by a court order on July 1. Have there been any resolution efforts? After the May 28 clash, both countries quickly promised to ease tension, prevent more conflict and seek dialogue via their joint border commission at a June 14 meeting. The neighbours have issued diplomatically worded statements committing to peace while vowing to protect sovereignty, but their militaries have been mobilising near the border. Cambodia, meanwhile, said existing mechanisms were not working and it planned to refer disputes in four border areas to the ICJ to settle 'unresolved and sensitive' issues that it said could escalate tensions. Thailand has not recognised the ICJ's rulings on the row and wants to settle it bilaterally. Since Thursday's clashes, Cambodia has written to the United Nations Security Council, urging the body to convene a meeting to stop what it describes as 'unprovoked and premeditated military aggression' by Thailand. Thailand, on the other hand, wants to resolve the conflict through bilateral negotiations but says talks can only take place after Cambodia ceases violence.


Express Tribune
15 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan seeks 'stable relationship' with US
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meet at the State Department in Washington, DC, signaling a diplomatic reset. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Pakistan sought "expanded and stable" bilateral relationship with Washington, highlighting "strong convergences" between the two sides on several issues. Dar held talks with Rubio in Washington in a first face-to-face meeting between the two top diplomats at the State Department following their several telephonic conversations. This was the first formal meeting at the level of foreign ministers between Pakistan and the United States after several years as the previous administration under President Joe Biden completely ignored Islamabad. The meeting between Dar and Rubio came against the backdrop of renewed push by the two sides to reset their ties often marred by mistrust. However, contrary to all expectations, under President Trump's second term, the relationship between the two countries took off to a positive start. It was Pakistan's assistance in arresting and extraditing one of the masterminds of Kabul Airport attack in August 2021 that led to the reset in ties with the US. President Trump publicly praised Pakistan's efforts in his first address to the US Congress. The India-Pakistan conflict brought the two countries closer, as Trump repeatedly took credit for brokering the ceasefire between the two South Asian rivals. Then in the middle of the Iran-Israel war, President Trump hosted Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the White House in an unprecedented move that raised eyebrows in New Delhi. Following the army chief's luncheon meeting at the White House, there have been increased contacts between the two countries. The meeting in Washington on Friday was seen as Pakistan's push to revive the structured mechanism between the two countries. A statement issued by the Foreign Office said upon arrival at the State Department, Dar was received by senior US officials. Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, accompanied him during the visit. Senior officials from both sides also joined the delegation-level talks. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, and minerals. Both sides reviewed progress in the ongoing Pakistan-US trade dialogue, expressing optimism over positive developments. Dar highlighted Pakistan as an attractive destination for US businesses and investors. On regional security, the leaders discussed counterterrorism cooperation and broader peace efforts. Dar lauded President Donald Trump and the US leadership for their efforts to promote global peace, particularly appreciating the President's role amid recent Pakistan-India tensions. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and appreciated its positive role in promoting regional and global peace. Later in his message on X, the US secretary of state said: "Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability." Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's desire for expanded and stable bilateral relations, underscoring that there is a strong convergence of views and shared interests between the two countries on regional peace and stability. He also appreciated the role of the Pakistani-American community as a "bridge" between the two nations. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance institutional cooperation in diverse sectors, expressing determination to work together for long-term stability and prosperity.