Singapore’s public healthcare institutions faced an hours-long disruption on Wednesday, November 1, due to a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, as confirmed by the health tech agency Synapxe. The incident impeded access to the websites of various healthcare facilities, raising concerns about the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure.
Sustained Cyber Attack
Synapxe, which provides operational support to 46 public healthcare institutions, including acute hospitals and polyclinics, as well as approximately 1,400 community partners, reported that the attack involved a flood of internet traffic aimed at overloading servers. This prevented legitimate users from accessing online services. The agency, whose own website was affected, stated that the DDoS attacks are ongoing, potentially leading to “occasional disruptions” in internet services.
No Compromise of Healthcare Data
Amid the challenges posed by the cyber attack, Synapxe reassured the public that there is no evidence to suggest any compromise of public healthcare data or internal networks. The DDoS attack, a common malicious tactic used by cybercriminals, aims to disrupt services rather than breach data, but it underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially in sensitive sectors like healthcare.
Institutions Affected
The DDoS attack had a wide reach, affecting the websites of prominent hospitals such as Singapore General Hospital, National University Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) was also among the entities whose online services were disrupted.
Conclusion: The Need for Cyber Resilience
The recent DDoS attack on Singapore’s public healthcare institutions is a stark reminder of the persistent cyber threats facing critical infrastructure. It highlights the importance of continuous vigilance and the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard against such disruptions. As the digital landscape evolves, so too must the defenses that protect the essential services on which the public relies.
Also learn about 3 Men from China Arrested After Coming to S’pore to Steal from Donation Boxes.
