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 baseline for all public sector IT systems
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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 – Instruction Manual 8 (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
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System hardening and baseline configuration
Many government agencies derive their audit frameworks (including SSCT) directly from IM8 policies.
SSCT / SSAT – System Security Compliance / Acceptance Test
The System Security Compliance Test (SSCT) is a mandatory audit vendors must pass before 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:
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System Configuration Audits: Review of OS, application, network device, and firewall settings, aligned with IM8 or CIS Benchmarks.
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User Access & Network Controls: Verification of least privilege access, user group management, authentication mechanisms, and network segregation.
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Audit Logging: Ensure security logs are enabled, retained, and protected from tampering.
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Vulnerability Assessment & Penetration Testing: Both internal and external scanning, with evidence of remediation for high-risk findings.
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Evidence Collection: Screenshots, logs, config files, and signed justification forms must 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.
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 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.
Read more about MAS-TRM in detail here.
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.
