Singtel and Argus Cyber Security have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on several initiatives to strengthen the cyber security capabilities for Singapore’s transportation sector, facilitating the introduction of connected cars and new technologies such as autonomous vehicles. In addition, both parties will also work together on the research and development of next generation cyber security solutions for autonomous vehicles.
“This partnership is part of our broader vision to create an ecosystem to support the development of new technologies and solutions focusing on the transportation sector, both in Singapore and globally,” said Bill Chang, Chief Executive Officer, Group Enterprise at Singtel. “With a secure ecosystem, automobile manufacturers and automotive equipment providers can safely collaborate and develop advanced solutions for commercial and industrial autonomous vehicles. By partnering with a global leader like Argus, we are committed to positioning Singapore at the forefront of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies for the next generation of smart and cyber secure vehicles.”
Under the MOU, both parties will launch a suite of solutions which includes Argus’ in-vehicle solutions and technologies, and Argus' stand-alone cyber security backend platform. This platform collects, correlates and analyses data derived from vehicles, mobile apps, cellular networks, cloud platforms and other sources, and will be integrated with the managed security services portfolio of Trustwave, Singtel’s cyber security arm. The platform helps automakers and fleet managers to quickly protect vehicles that are already on the road without making any modifications to them. It will be delivered through Trustwave’s global network of 10 Advanced Security Operations Centres, further enhancing its capabilities as a leading global managed security services provider.
“We are delighted to partner with Singtel, a global technology leader and a trusted cyber security partner of the world's leading business organisations. This partnership is another important leap forward towards delivering multi-layered, security solutions and services that make mobility intelligent and secure – in Singapore and around the world,” says Mr Ofer Ben-Noon, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Argus Cyber Security. “We look forward to broadening our scope of partnership with Singtel to include co-creating next generation of cyber security solutions and services for the autonomous vehicle industry.”
As part of the collaboration, Singtel and Argus will conduct cyber security research and development at the Singtel Cyber Security Institute (CSI) to help defend autonomous vehicles against sophisticated, evolving cyber threats. The partners could also use CSI’s advanced cyber range platform to subject their solutions to rigorous testing and prototyping. This augments Singtel’s ongoing collaboration with the National University of Singapore to develop advanced cyber security solutions for next generation cyber threats.
The partnership comes in the wake of the recent launch of 5G Garage - Singapore’s first live 5G facility at Singapore Polytechnic. The facility, which is connected to Singtel’s latest pilot 5G network, allows students to incubate, develop and trial 5G solutions for enterprises. Among the students’ projects is an autonomous vehicle which is being trialled for use on campus. The initiative and Singtel’s involvement in the development of Singapore’s next generation Electronic Road Pricing system demonstrate the company’s drive towards shaping and securing Singapore’s future transportation landscape.
The announcement of the partnership is timely as the introduction of autonomous vehicles in Singapore is one of the initiatives which the government has set out as part of the Smart Nation plan.