Adopt the Best Internet Security Practices with IHP

Considering the growing shift towards digitalization, enterprises are becoming more susceptible to cyber threats, such as phishing, ransomware, and similar others. Owing to that, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has launched the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) under Singapore's Safer Cyberspace Masterplan 2020 initiative. So, what exactly is IHP, how does it protect businesses, and why is it important? Let's discuss all these elements in detail in this blog.

What is Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP)?

Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) is an easy-to-use web portal that provides enterprises with easy access to self-assessment tools and resources they need to know about their current cyber security credibility and adopt the best internet security practices. To access the internet security of websites, domain configurations, and email services, IHP uses non-invasive internet health lookup tools. Afterward, it offers practical recommendations to enterprises on how they can adopt best practices and enhance their overall internet security posture. In short, IHP streamlines internet security to key indicators that are essential for effective cyber security.

Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) supports enterprises through the three "A"s approach, as follows:

1.      Awareness: It provides awareness by guiding about internet hygiene best practices and standards.

2.      Assessment: It provides assessment through self-initiated "health check" tools to examine websites, emails, etc.

3.      Adoption: It promotes the adoption of best internet security practices.

Other than facilitating enterprises with the best internet security practices, IHP also showcases the cyber hygiene of digital platforms through its Internet Hygiene Rating table. This table provides a simple view of the internet hygiene of digital platforms. Currently, the table shows the internet hygiene of ten popular e-commerce platforms.

The rating is based on the average adoption of best internet security practices that are set by CSA and also recognized globally as baseline internet standards. For example, "HTTPS" for secure website communications, "DMARC" for enhancing email security, and "DNSSEC" for preventing DNS spoofing, cache poisoning, and hijacking. Other than the current e-commerce platforms, CSA plans to interact with other sectors, such as banking, finance, and even healthcare, to also present their rating in the Internet Hygiene Rating table.

Why is IHP Important?

Singapore is on the track to building up a digital economy, thereby encouraging enterprises to leverage the full potential of technological advancements and drive business growth. However, the online presence of businesses is also increasing the concern of more cyberattacks. Just in 2021, cyberattacks in Singapore increased by 145% year-on-year (YoY).

Besides the increase in cyberattacks, another concern is the lack of awareness and low adoption of best internet security practices by SMEs. Most enterprises are not aware of potential threats they can face with inefficient security of their websites, domains, and email servers. Due to that, they put customers' sensitive data at risk of being compromised.

Owing to all the growing concerns around cyber threats, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) launched the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP), which provides a one-stop, simplified platform for enterprises to check and improve their internet security.

Conclusion

Despite the widespread attention given to cyber security on a global scale, the incidence of cyber threats continues to increase. While technological advancements have undoubtedly made our lives easier, they have also enabled cybercriminals to execute more complex and sophisticated attacks. Therefore, the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) is a much-needed initiative for enterprises to evaluate their current internet security posture and implement the recommended best internet security practices.

At Care, we have always emphasized cyber security over everything else. Today, we are part of the Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) initiative, and we encourage every enterprise to participate in the initiative. So, do check out the current security standing of your website URL and email domain right away from the IHP web portal and start enhancing your internet security.

 Call our CARE Team to request for assistance to achieve 100% compliance for your IHP checks.