This was just weird.

So we got one of these mails in our mailbox recently and I realised how strange the language was. I mean, it's one thing to say "look, there're going to be hackers that are going to be busy trying to hack the Singapore interweb" and it's another to say "comrades, there are malevolent elements who will try to instigate chaos by spreading non-party approved propoganda. Down with the corrupt west with their capitalistic imperial dogma!".

It's interesting to see why our ministries are so concerned about that the anti-globalisation ideology and propoganda are treated as such. As far as I know, the anti-globalisation activists do have a valid point in protesting globalisation but I really don't see what the big deal is. Let them spread their word. Most Singaporeans won't really care. Most Singaporeans don't even know what globalisation is. (Trust me, I know...I've been trying to impart knowledge) Let alone, what the implications of globalisation are.

Shrug.

Mountain out of a molehill? Perhaps. But pay attention to the language.

It's like something out of a cheesy 80's spy thriller where Chinese communists look like B.D. Wong or James Hong.

Dear MOE Staff,

Heightened Infocomm Security Awareness

1.      Singapore will play host to the International Monetary Fund/World
Bank (IMF/WB) 2006 Summit that will be held at the Suntec City Convention
Centre from 11-20 Sep 2006.

2.      Past IMF/WB events have shown that anti-globalisation activists 
have employed various tactics ranging from physical blockage of event 
venue to cyber attacks in an attempt to spread their own ideology and 
propaganda. In particular, cyber disruptions may be attempted and this
could take the form of targeting Singapore government's web presence by
activists in an attempt to discredit the event and embarrass the
organising country.

3.      We urge you to be more vigilant during this period. Please perform
the following:-

·       Ensure that the anti-virus software on your desktop and notebook
is running to ensure protection against viruses.
·       Do not open file attachments sent from unknown parties in the
event that the attachment contains viruses that may cripple the network.
·       Scan all removable media (e.g. diskettes, CDs, thumbdrives, etc.)
for viruses before opening the contents.
·       Do not download/install software from magazines, electronic
bulletin boards or other untrusted sources.

4.      Read up on the MOE End User IT Security Policy (
http://intranet.moe.gov.sg/itb/itsecurity/MOEEndUserITSecurityPolicy.pdf)
to see how else you can play your part in this.

5.      Should you have further queries, please contact your respective
Helpdesks at:

     MOE HQ Helpdesk
     Hotline: 1800-879 6333
     Email: helpme@ncs.com.sg

     West zone schools & MOELC are supported by NCS
     NCS ITSS Hotline: 1800-778 9648
     Email: itss@ncs.com.sg

6.      Thank you.