HTX Deputy Chief Executive (Development) Ng Yeow Boon (second from right) signed the MOU with SANS Training Singapore Director Delaney Ng (second from left). HTX Chief Executive Chan Tsan (left) and SANS Institute CEO Eric Bassel (right) witnessed the signing. (Photo: HTX)
On 7 November 2023, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and SANS Training Singapore, the Singapore subsidiary of SANS Institute, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate and develop the technical competencies of HTX’s cybersecurity officers.
Due to the increased frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks around the world, HTX sought to ensure that data belonging to the Home Team is adequately protected. SANS Institute is recognised as one of the leading providers of cybersecurity training. Hence, this collaboration with SANS Training Singapore will support HTX’s efforts to ensure that her officers possess the essential set of cybersecurity competencies and are kept up-to-date.
The MOU marks the beginning of a two-year collaboration with SANS Training Singapore. Officers will be trained in accordance with SANS Institute’s proficiency training roadmap through cybersecurity training courses and invitations to specialised homeland cybersecurity events.
At the inaugural internal HTX Capture-the-Flag competition. (Photo: HTX)
Through the MOU with SANS Training Singapore, HTX aims to excite our officers in cybersecurity through gamification and to expand their technical expertise. As part of this collaboration, xCyber is working with SANS Training Singapore to develop an intensive Capture-the-Flag (CTF) programme.
With SANS Institute being an established and renowned provider for hands-on cybersecurity training which has been upskilling our HTX officers in defending against sophisticated cyber threats, it is therefore poised as a strong strategic partner in our journey to develop our internal CTF programme. This includes customised training to coach our officers in the latest tools and techniques, and the conduct of internal CTF for team selections.
Following the signing of the MOU on 7 November 2023, HTX’s xCyber division held its inaugural internal HTX CTF competition, with 23 HTX officers competing for a spot in the CTF team. This team will be competing in the 2024 DEF CON Villages CTF and other similar events. HTX’s participation in international CTF competitions will allow HTX to benchmark her officers’ capabilities against the worldwide cybersecurity community and serves as a strong validation of our deep cyber capabilities.