Singapore to block internet access on government computers for security reasons

- Singapore confirmed on Wednesday it would cut off internet access for government work stations within a year for security reasons, a surprise move in one of the world’s most wired countries.

The decision will not disrupt government operations, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) said after local daily The Straits Times reported that some 100,000 computers would be affected.

“We have started to separate internet access from the work stations of a selected group of public service officers, and will do so for the rest of the public service officers progressively over a one-year period,” the IDA said in a written reply.

Singapore has world’s fastest peak internet connection speeds but No 2 Hong Kong has higher rate of broadband adoption

Industry sources said the measure was aimed at preventing cyberattacks as well as the spread of malware that might enter the government email network thought internet-enabled work stations.

Singapore is one of the world’s most internet-savvy societies, offering broadband speeds envied by many.

A wide range of government services are available online, including registering for marriage, filing complaints to the police and video consultations with doctors.

Government services will not be disrupted by the security measures, sources familiar with the plan said.