Singapore’s digital infrastructure is governed by a robust set of cybersecurity frameworks. For companies working with government agencies or financial institutions, compliance is no longer optional—it’s a critical success factor.
This guide explains three of the most important frameworks:
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IM8 (The Instruction Manual for ICT&SS Management) – The baseline for all public sector IT systems
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SSAT / SSCT – The mandatory pre-launch cybersecurity audit for government IT projects
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MAS-TRM – Regulatory guidelines for financial institutions and fintechs
IM8 – (The Instruction Manual for ICT&SS Management) (For Public Sector IT)
IM8, governed by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG), sets the foundational security and governance policies for all public sector IT systems. It dictates how systems should be architected, managed, and secured.
Key Focus Areas:
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Access control and account management
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Network segregation
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Logging and monitoring
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Data classification and protection
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Change and patch management
Many government agencies derive their audit frameworks (including SSCT) directly from IM8 policies.
SSAT / SSCT – System Security Acceptance / Compliance Test
The System Security Compliance / Acceptance Test (SSCT) is a mandatory audit vendors must pass before connecting to the network or go-live for government projects involving any IP-connected system. It ensures that the delivered system is secure, properly configured, and resilient against known threats. This is usually required for on-premise deployment.
Who Requires It:
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Agencies such as GovTech, IMDA, DSTA, SPF etc
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Any project involving web applications, network appliances, IoT devices, firewalls, or air-gapped deployments
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Project Examples: CCTV, Building Management, Visitor Management
What SSCT Covers:
- System Hardening: Harden all systems according to CIS benchmark or OEM guidelines. Check out our affordable Engineering workstation hardening package here.
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Host Configuration Review: Review of OS, application, network device, and firewall settings, aligned with CIS Benchmarks.
- Audit Logging: Ensure security logs are enabled, retained, and protected from tampering.
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Vulnerability Assessment and / or Penetration Testing: Scanning and / or exploitation, with remediation likely for all findings, with waiver justification for the rest that cannot be remediate.
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Evidence Collection: Screenshots, logs, config files, scan raw data may be required to be submitted for review.
Special Note on Air-Gapped Systems:
Air-gapped systems face additional SSCT complexity. Since they lack internet connectivity:
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Patches must be transferred via external media, which must first be scanned and formally approved before any updates can be applied to the system
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Vulnerability scans must be run using offline or portable tools
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Penetration testing must occur on-site with controlled access
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Evidence gathering (logs/screenshots) requires secured transfer or physical media
Vendors often underestimate the lead time for these tasks—delaying their sign-off.
Partner with us early at the tender stage for no-cost presales support. We help you identify compliance requirements early, estimate project costs and mitigate risks to ensure on-time delivery. Learn more about our services here.
MAS-TRM – Technology Risk Management Guidelines
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) mandates the TRM guidelines for all financial institutions, including banks, insurers, and fintechs. Unlike SSCT, which is more of a checklist-based audit, MAS-TRM is principles-based.
Key Pillars of MAS-TRM:
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Strong IT governance and risk ownership
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Third-party risk management
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Secure application development lifecycle
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Incident detection and response
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Cyber resilience and business continuity
TRM compliance is often assessed during licensing or thematic inspections and requires policies, system configurations, and real-world control effectiveness validated through Penetration test. Check out our cost-effective penetration testing packages to help you demonstrate TRM compliance.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s cybersecurity frameworks are rigorous, but necessary. Whether you’re preparing for SSCT sign-off or navigating MAS-TRM controls, early preparation and technical clarity are key.
At Perennial Consultancy, we guide vendors and solution providers through:
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Security Project Management
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End-to-end SSCT audit support
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Hardening, VAPT and secure configuration review
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Compliance Document Preparation
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At Perennial Consultancy, we have supported vendors working with government agencies and regulated entities in navigating cybersecurity requirements — managing and mitigating government expectations, ensuring timely compliance and enabling smooth project delivery. Learn more and sign up for a free consultation.
