How the Singapore Government Makes SMS Safer

SMS is a convenient way for people to stay connected, but unfortunately, it has become a popular channel for scams. The rise of SMS scams, or "smishing," has raised concerns about the safety of using SMS for essential communications. In response to this growing problem, the Singapore government introduced a unified Sender ID, gov.sg, to secure SMS communication.

The growing problem: SMS scams

For years, scammers have been exploiting vulnerabilities in SMS technology. One of the biggest weaknesses is the unverified Sender ID—the name or number displayed when you receive a message. Scammers take advantage of this flaw by impersonating trusted entities, such as government agencies or banks, and sending fraudulent messages designed to steal personal information or install malicious software.

Before gov.sg, fraudsters could send SMSes that appeared to be from official sources like the Central Provident Fund (CPF) or Housing and Development Board (HDB), tricking people into clicking on harmful links or providing sensitive information. This led to a growing need for a more secure way to send SMS messages from trusted sources.

What is gov.sg?

Launched in July 2024, gov.sg is a secure and unified Sender ID used exclusively for official SMS communications from the Singapore government. The goal of this initiative is to create a consistent and reliable channel for citizens to receive important updates, without the fear of receiving fraudulent messages from scammers posing as government agencies.

The gov.sg system has introduced several measures to ensure SMS security:

• Unified Sender ID: All official government SMSes now come from a single, verified Sender ID—gov.sg. This makes it easier for citizens to quickly identify legitimate messages from the government.
• Sender ID Registry (SSIR): A centralised database where all entities must register their official Sender IDs. This ensures that only verified entities are able to send messages with gov.sg, and any unauthorised messages are blocked.
• Collaboration with Telcos: The government works closely with telecommunications providers, including Singtel and StarHub, to monitor SMS traffic and filter out fraudulent messages before they reach users.

Benefits of gov.sg SMS Sender ID

The introduction of gov.sg offers several significant benefits to the public:

• Enhanced Trust: With gov.sg, citizens can be confident that any SMS from the government is legitimate. This restores trust in SMS as a secure communication tool.
• Reduced Scams: By blocking unregistered messages, the system helps significantly reduce the number of SMS scams circulating.
• Streamlined Communication: A unified Sender ID creates consistency and clarity in government messaging, making it easier for citizens to spot legitimate updates.

A safer SMS experience

The introduction of gov.sg marks a significant milestone in Singapore's efforts to combat SMS scams and secure official communication. By providing a consistent and verified Sender ID, gov.sg reduces the confusion of receiving messages from different government agencies and creates a safer environment where citizens can trust the messages they receive. To date, 123 million SMSes have been sent via gov.sg—with zero cases of impersonation.

With gov.sg, the Singapore government has taken a major step toward securing SMS communication and protecting its citizens. Understanding how it works and how to identify trusted messages will allow you to confidently rely on SMS for official updates, knowing you're receiving accurate, timely, and secure information.