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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Multiculturalism a strength for countries, but needs trust to flourish: experts
(From left) Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia Professor Farish Noor, Indonesian Minister for Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, Victoria University of Wellington Professor of Psychology Colleen Ward, Edelman International president Ed Williams during a panel at the International Conference on Cohesive Societies on June 24. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE - When different communities interact with each other regularly and are supported by government policies that encourage such mixing, the outcome tends to be positive, resulting in reduced prejudice, deeper societal integration and more economic dynamism. Yet while the evidence is clear on the strengths that multiculturalism can bring to a society, the erosion of trust around the world has made it more difficult for such plurality to flourish, experts said on June 24 at the first day of the International Conference on Cohesive Societies. Speaking at the first plenary session of the three-day conference, Professor Colleen Ward from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand said her research found that people who engage in multicultural contact tend to have a stronger sense of national belonging. Meanwhile, minority and immigrant groups who live in countries with multicultural policies report higher trust levels and lower levels of perceived discrimination, added the professor of cross-cultural psychology. Such strengths, however, rest on a foundation of mutual trust, which is in short supply today, said fellow speaker Mr Ed Williams, president of Edelman International. He pointed to the results of the annual Edelman Trust Barometer, which since 1999 has been measuring the level of trust people in various countries have in societal institutions. The latest study, published in January, found that a majority of respondents in 23 of the 26 countries surveyed felt moderate to high levels of grievance against business, government and the rich. Singapore was the country with the least amount of grievance reported, with fewer than 4 in 10 expressing such sentiments. Mr William said it was worth thinking about why Singapore stood as an outlier compared to the rest of the world, where there was a 'collapse of the middle ground (and) the unraveling of shared understanding'. 'Could Singapore's deliberate approach to managing diversity, its longstanding emphasis on multi-racial harmony and integration, be one of the factors helping to sustain a deeper level of institutional trust?' he asked. 'No doubt there are other contributing factors, but in a global environment increasingly defined by division, there may well be lessons here that others would do well to study.' Prof Ward said one reason why things are looking bleak for multiculturalism in many places is the number of 'existential threats' there are today, such as wars, pandemics, natural disasters and financial crises. Her research found that countries become more 'culturally tight' when faced with such threats, which means there is lower tolerance for deviance from social norms and less openness to differences. 'Essentially, what we find is that 'tight' cultures are more prejudiced cultures,' she said, adding that these results were replicated across 25 countries and the 50 states of the United States. Despite the pessimistic outlook for multiculturalism, the speakers emphasised that people and communities have the agency to make a difference. Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar, the third speaker on the panel, noted that faith communities can play a role, including to identify kalimatun sawa, an Arabic phrase that translates to common ground. For instance, the Istiqlal State Mosque in Jakarta conducts regular interfaith activities, and even has a Tunnel of Friendship that connects it with the nearby Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, said Dr Nasaruddin, who is also Grand Imam of the mosque. He said that conflicts in the Middle East, such as in Gaza and involving Israel and Iran, also represent a failure of conventional diplomacy and highlights the need for faith-based diplomacy in international relations. Involving faith leaders in peacemaking efforts would recognise the significance of religion in shaping global affairs and facilitate collaboration across religious divides, he added. Prof Ward said building multiculturalism should not be seen as the sole responsibility of governments, and that citizens acting together can effect change. She cited how New Zealanders came out and marched on their parliament in 2004 to protest acts of desecration that targeted Jewish graves in Wellington. This prompted the Kiwi Government to develop the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, which aimed to recognise the country's cultural diversity and to foster harmony among its peoples. Agreeing, Mr Williams said no one organisation can solve a crisis of this magnitude alone, but only together with other partners. 'This is not a moment for institutional posturing, it's a moment for collective action - government with business and civil society, and a media sector that champions truthfulness are critical as we move forward,' he said. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
M&S cyber attack linked to notorious hacking group
Published: | Updated: Scotland Yard detectives are probing the devastating IT meltdown at M&S thought to be caused by teenage hackers. A shadowy group operating under the name Scattered Spider was yesterday said to be behind the attack, which has crippled the retailer for more than a week. But the Mail can now reveal the Metropolitan Police's cyber crime unit has been called in to investigate the crisis. The collective, thought to be made up of 1,000 mainly British and American youths and young men, has already gained global notoriety for a slew of attacks on major brands, with a cyber security expert warning it poses a 'sophisticated threat'. Such criminal outfits typically demand up to £10million in ransom for returning full access to firms, say industry sources. No arrests had been made last night, a Met spokesman confirmed, adding: 'Detectives from the Met's cyber crime unit are investigating. Inquiries continue.' Detectives have been working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre and data watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Marks & Spencer would not share details last night nor speculate on the culprit or confirm whether it has paid a ransom. In hacks such as this, criminals typically infiltrate an IT system, freeze it and demand payment from companies. Trade website Bleeping Computer said 'multiple sources' pointed to Scattered Spider having gained access to M&S's servers as far back as February before putting their plan into action over Easter. As a result M&S paused its click and collect service, where customers order items online for collection from a shop. These orders are still being hit. Bosses at the retailer are said to have asked for help from experts at Microsoft as well as cyber security professionals CrowdStrike and Fenix24. Julius Cerniauskas, of web experts Oxylabs, said: 'Their goal is simple: the greater the disruption, the greater the pressure on the firm to pay the ransom.' Cyber expert Ed Williams, of Trustwave, said these attacks require 'calculated' criminals who understand 'both the technical and human weaknesses to exploit within large organisations'. And Nathaniel Jones, of cyber firm Darktrace, warned Scattered Spider poses a 'sophisticated threat' to big companies, adding: 'Their approach is dangerous. They are thought to be native English speakers who don't just exploit technical vulnerabilities but manipulate people, especially IT help desks.' Previously the group, which the FBI has said poses a threat akin to hacking operations in China and Russia, has carried out 'phishing attacks' – sending fake texts to staff mobiles asking them to click on a link that gives the hackers access to work systems. US casino firm Caesars Entertainment was brought to its knees in September 2023 and ultimately forced to pay hackers £12million to restore its network. The gang – which is also known by other names including Scatter Swine and Muddled Libra – has been linked to raids on firms since May 2022. Last year US authorities charged five alleged members with targeting at least 12 firms. The suspects included 22-year-old Tyler Buchanan, from Dundee, who was extradited to California from Spain last week on charges related to attacks on casino operators including Caesars. Last July a 17-year-old boy from Walsall was arrested as part of a different global probe into the gang. And earlier this month a leading member pleaded guilty to a string of online fraud offences in a Florida court. Noah Urban faces up to 60 years in prison and must pay back more than £10million. George Weston, chairman of Primark and Twinings tea owner Associated British Foods, said: 'All of business, certainly us, have been very aware of cyber risk for some time... We look at what's happened [at M&S] with sadness. Whatever we can do to help, we would do – but it's a threat to all of us.' In a further blow for M&S, shop shelves were pictured empty yesterday while online orders were suspended for a fifth day. Its home and clothing business takes around £11million in sales a day – with a third of this from online. That means M&S could lose close to £3.7million every day the website is down. Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Notorious hackers are 'behind M&S cyber raid': Retail giant calls in Scotland Yard as finger is pointed at gang that blackmails firms for millions
Scotland Yard detectives are probing the devastating IT meltdown at M&S thought to be caused by teenage hackers. A shadowy group operating under the name Scattered Spider was yesterday said to be behind the attack, which has crippled the retailer for more than a week. But the Mail can now reveal the Metropolitan Police 's cyber crime unit has been called in to investigate the crisis. The collective, thought to be made up of 1,000 mainly British and American youths and young men, has already gained global notoriety for a slew of attacks on major brands, with a cyber security expert warning it poses a 'sophisticated threat'. Such criminal outfits typically demand up to £10million in ransom for returning full access to firms, say industry sources. No arrests had been made last night, a Met spokesman confirmed, adding: 'Detectives from the Met's cyber crime unit are investigating. Inquiries continue.' Detectives have been working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre and data watchdog the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Marks & Spencer would not share details last night nor speculate on the culprit or confirm whether it has paid a ransom. In hacks such as this, criminals typically infiltrate an IT system, freeze it and demand payment from companies. Trade website Bleeping Computer said 'multiple sources' pointed to Scattered Spider having gained access to M&S's servers as far back as February before putting their plan into action over Easter. As a result M&S paused its click and collect service, where customers order items online for collection from a shop. These orders are still being hit. Bosses at the retailer are said to have asked for help from experts at Microsoft as well as cyber security professionals CrowdStrike and Fenix24. Julius Cerniauskas, of web experts Oxylabs, said: 'Their goal is simple: the greater the disruption, the greater the pressure on the firm to pay the ransom.' Cyber expert Ed Williams, of Trustwave, said these attacks require 'calculated' criminals who understand 'both the technical and human weaknesses to exploit within large organisations'. And Nathaniel Jones, of cyber firm Darktrace, warned Scattered Spider poses a 'sophisticated threat' to big companies, adding: 'Their approach is dangerous. They are thought to be native English speakers who don't just exploit technical vulnerabilities but manipulate people, especially IT help desks.' Previously the group, which the FBI has said poses a threat akin to hacking operations in China and Russia, has carried out 'phishing attacks' – sending fake texts to staff mobiles asking them to click on a link that gives the hackers access to work systems. US casino firm Caesars Entertainment was brought to its knees in September 2023 and ultimately forced to pay hackers £12million to restore its network. The gang – which is also known by other names including Scatter Swine and Muddled Libra – has been linked to raids on firms since May 2022. Last year US authorities charged five alleged members with targeting at least 12 firms. The suspects included 22-year-old Tyler Buchanan, from Dundee, who was extradited to California from Spain last week on charges related to attacks on casino operators including Caesars. Last July a 17-year-old boy from Walsall was arrested as part of a different global probe into the gang. And earlier this month a leading member pleaded guilty to a string of online fraud offences in a Florida court. Noah Urban faces up to 60 years in prison and must pay back more than £10million. George Weston, chairman of Primark and Twinings tea owner Associated British Foods, said: 'All of business, certainly us, have been very aware of cyber risk for some time... We look at what's happened [at M&S] with sadness. Whatever we can do to help, we would do – but it's a threat to all of us.' In a further blow for M&S, shop shelves were pictured empty yesterday while online orders were suspended for a fifth day. Its home and clothing business takes around £11million in sales a day – with a third of this from online.
