A new cyber incident helpline launched by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) promises a triage callback within two hours to help organisations respond swiftly to cyber threats. The free service, introduced on October 14 during Singapore International Cyber Week, is designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing cyber incidents, providing advice on containment and referrals to cybersecurity specialists.
Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information Tan Kiat How emphasized that SMEs often struggle in the critical initial hours following a cyberattack due to limited expertise and unclear response procedures. “The goal is simple: to help businesses move quickly from uncertainty to action, respond effectively and recover with as little disruption as possible,” Tan said. The helpline aims to bridge this readiness gap, particularly for organisations lacking dedicated cybersecurity personnel and established incident response strategies.
The launch coincided with the release of the second edition of the Singapore Cybersecurity Health Report, which surveyed over 2,000 businesses and non-profit organisations between October and November 2025. It found that nearly 90% of respondents experienced at least one cybersecurity incident in 2025, an increase from 80% reported in the 2023 report. Common incidents included ransomware attacks, compromised credentials, and social engineering schemes.
Despite wider exposure to cyber threats, the report noted some improvement in managing business impacts. Fewer organisations reported costs related to incident response, operational disruptions, and financial losses compared to two years prior, though gaps remain in overall cybersecurity preparedness. For instance, while software and system updates adoption rose from 72% to 80%, readiness measures for incident response slightly declined from 76% to 73%.
The survey identified persistent challenges among businesses, notably a shortage of cybersecurity knowledge and manpower. More than half of the respondents cited insufficient expertise as a primary barrier, while 37% highlighted limited resources.
The helpline operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding public holidays, and can be reached by phone or via cybersecurity.sg. Upon contact, a trained operator assesses the situation before a representative returns the call to collect information and suggest immediate containment steps. The service provides guidance on threats such as phishing, business email compromise, malware, ransomware, unauthorized access, and suspected data breaches. When necessary, businesses receive referrals to pre-approved cybersecurity providers for further support.
SBF vice-chairman Chin Wei Jia noted that the helpline is currently backed by a dedicated cybersecurity team during its initial phase, with plans to monitor usage and adjust services as needed. The initiative builds on the foundation’s Cyber Resilience Centre, established in 2025 to bolster organisational preparedness through training and simulation exercises.
The new service responds to findings in the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore’s (CSA) June 2025 report highlighting ongoing risks to SMEs, including a rise in reported ransomware cases from 159 in 2024 to 165 in 2025. SMEs remain particularly vulnerable due to limited cybersecurity capabilities.
While the helpline focuses on immediate advisory support for local organisations, the broader landscape of cyber threats and resilience continues to evolve across Singapore’s business community.