Singapore to Implement New Protective Domain Name Service
Singapore is set to launch a protective domain name service aimed at blocking phishing and malware sites as part of its updated cybersecurity strategy.
In this article
A new protective domain name service (PDNS) aimed at blocking known phishing and malware sites will be implemented in Singapore, as announced on 13 October 2026 by Senior Minister K. Shanmugam. This initiative is part of Singapore’s updated cybersecurity strategy, designed to address the increasing sophistication of cyber threats. Shanmugam made the announcement during the opening address of the 11th Singapore International Cyber Week at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
The PDNS is scheduled to be operational by 2027 and will be managed by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) under the National Cybersecurity Command Centre. The service will provide a proactive defense mechanism against cyber threats, a shift towards an AI-driven national defense model. Shanmugam stated that Singapore aims to act earlier and at a national scale to keep pace with evolving threats.
The PDNS will function under the Online Criminal Harms Act, which took effect in 2024. This legislation empowers authorities to request the removal or blocking of content linked to various criminal activities, including illegal gambling, money lending, drug-related offenses, and scams. To ensure the responsible use of its powers, the CSA will implement a robust assessment and validation process before blocking any websites, thereby minimizing the risk of false positives.
The urgency for such measures is underscored by data from the CSA’s latest report, which revealed that the number of malware-infected systems in Singapore more than doubled from 117,300 in 2024 to 284,300 in 2025. The CSA emphasized the necessity of raising the overall cybersecurity level across the ecosystem.
In addition to the PDNS, the refreshed cybersecurity strategy includes enhancing defenses for critical infrastructure, strengthening capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technologies, and forging better global partnerships. Critical information infrastructure, such as telecommunications and power plants, has increasingly become a target for cyberattacks. For instance, in July 2025, Singapore’s four major telecommunications companies were targeted by a state-sponsored cyberespionage group.
The new strategy also explores additional safety measures, including cyber insurance pilots and the establishment of a Cyber Command unit within the police to combat scams and cybercrime proactively. The CSA noted that a national command center with advanced capabilities is essential to detect cyber risks at an early stage and to expedite operational responses.
This renewed focus on cybersecurity reflects the growing need to safeguard against advanced persistent threats and the evolving nature of cyberattacks, which have been increasingly facilitated by AI advancements. The National Cybersecurity Command Centre will not only operate the PDNS but will also leverage threat intelligence to enhance coordination in cyber operations at a national level.
