Why is IHP Important

Why is IHP Important?

Singapore is on track to build a digital economy.

Technological advancements and the drive to fuel business growth through innovation and AI-backed automation are at the forefront for enterprises.

Online presence of businesses is essential today, but it is also increasing the landscape of security threats. Did you know that there were over 21 million cyberattacks from compromised servers in Singapore in 2024? The country now stands in 8th place globally as a source of cyber threats.

Below are a few other key points that highlight the cruciality of the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP):

1.      Lower Adoption Rate of Authentication Protocols

There are now many email authentication protocols, like Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC). These protocols help verify that emails are sent genuinely and reduce spoofing and phishing attacks.

Despite clear benefits, only a limited company have adopted them. This reflects the lack of awareness and prioritization of cybersecurity best practices among many organizations.

2.      The Surge of Cyber Threats

Cyber threats are not slowing down. With every passing day, new cyber threats and penetration tactics are surfacing. Cybercriminals are busy deploying the latest technologies and vulnerabilities to infiltrate systems. This reflects the urgency to adopt cyber hygiene standards.

3.      Public-Facing Servers Demand Protection

All the public-facing interfaces are the prime targets for exploitation. Websites, mail servers, and APIs need regular vulnerability assessments and enhanced security with updated configurations and encryption protocols.

4.      E-Commerce Leaders Setting the Standard for Brand Protection

Major e-commerce platforms such as FairPrice and Lazada implemented DMARC to avoid scams and spoofing to impersonate their brand names. This is setting a benchmark for others to follow.

All the above reasons have led the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) to launch the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP). It provides a one-stop, simplified platform for enterprises to check and improve their internet security.

IHP is now also extended to healthcare and banking & finance sectors. Overall, IHP is becoming a critical national initiative in strengthening cybersecurity across industries.

5.      Try It for Yourself

Don’t wait until a cyber incident happens — take the first step in protecting your business today. The Internet Hygiene Portal is free, simple to use, and gives you instant insights into your organization’s cyber hygiene. Click here to try it now

6.      CARE - Leading IT support services provider in Singapore

Computer Analysts and Recovery Experts Pte Ltd (CARE) is Singapore's leading firm for providing exceptional IT support, security, and infrastructure services. Over the years, we have invested in advanced technological systems to offer SMEs a diverse range of services, including IT outsourcing, hosting solutions, server support, IT security, and more.

Considering its dominant market position, CARE is among the few companies to have achieved a 100% rating on the Website and Email Management category. Companies may consider engaging CARE for technical queries, support, or expert guidance in mitigating identified risks.

How CARE can help:

• Query Resolution: Companies can reach out to get clarification about the initiative's IT requirements and implementation steps.
• Technical Assistance: CARE can offer hands-on support to ensure smooth participation in the IHP program.
• Post-Test Risk Mitigation: After the IHP assessment, CARE experts can guide companies on how to address the found risks or vulnerabilities.
• Ongoing IT Support: CARE acts as your ideal partner for ongoing IT support, including IT outsourcing, security management, and hosting solutions.

Overall, CARE is your one-stop trusted IT partner to guide you through IHP initiative and maximize your resilience against security threats. 

Conclusion

Despite the widespread attention given to cybersecurity on a global scale, the incidents of cyber threats continue to increase. While technological advancements have undoubtedly made our lives easier, they have also enabled cybercriminals to execute more complex and sophisticated attacks. Therefore, the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) is a much-needed initiative for enterprises to assess their current internet security posture and implement the recommended best practices for internet security.

With CARE, achieving 100% rating on the Website and Email Management category in past 2 Ratings chart published by CSA, you gain expert guidance and support to participate in the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) initiative.

Get in touch with us today, use the IHP web portal, and strengthen your cybersecurity defense.