What this lesson teaches
I can explain how individuals can stay alert and help keep their country safe.
Syllabus K336, Issue 3, Guiding Question 4, Responses to security impacts of globalisation. Vigilance by individuals
Make a guess
Being vigilant against terrorism is important. What do you think a vigilant person should watch for?
- Little, because trained police are better at spotting threats.
- People of a particular religion, race or appearance.
- Warning signs in behaviour, such as praising violent attacks.
Show the answer
Warning signs in behaviour, such as praising violent attacks.
Concerns should rest on behaviour and evidence. SGSecure teaches people to report real concerns to the right people.
Individuals can protect themselves and others by staying alert, checking information and reporting real concerns to the right people.
Picture a student who notices a friend repeatedly praising violence against civilians and saying they want to take part. Reporting this to a trusted adult or the authorities lets trained people assess the concern.
Vigilance means paying attention to real warning signs and responding responsibly. SGSecure is Singapore's national movement to prepare people for a terror attack. Its advice during an attack is Run, Hide, Tell.
Concerns about terrorism should be based on behaviour and evidence, not on someone's appearance, religion or nationality. You do not need to prove a crime before asking for help. But describe what you actually saw, rather than spreading accusations.
For cyber threats, check unexpected messages through an official contact or app, not the link in the message. Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication: a second check, such as a code sent to your phone. Keep software updated and never share passwords or one-time codes. These habits reduce risk, but no system is ever completely safe.
Report real concerns quickly through the right channels. Do not confront a suspected attacker or post accusations about people online. Individuals can share information and avoid some risks, but agencies and companies must still investigate and protect shared systems. Being a victim does not prove someone was careless.
- SGSecure
- Singapore's national movement against terrorism: Run, Hide, Tell.
- Report behaviour
- Base concerns on what someone does, not who they are.
- Cyber habits
- Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, updates.
Real examples to use
SGSecure
Launched in 2016, SGSecure trains people to stay alert and report suspicious activity through the SGSecure app. It also teaches what to do in an attack: "Run, Hide, Tell".
ScamShield
The ScamShield app blocks known scam calls and messages. Checking before clicking a link is a simple form of cyber vigilance.
Worked example: Reporting a concern responsibly
A classmate keeps praising violent attacks and tells friends he wants to take part. Mei tells a trusted teacher exactly what she heard and when. The teacher passes it to the authorities. Mei does not post about it online.
- She reports specific behaviour, not a suspicion about background.
- She uses a proper channel.
- She avoids spreading accusations, which could cause harm.
- A report is not proof of a threat. Trained authorities assess it and decide what to do.
Watch out for this
Being vigilant means treating people from a certain background as suspicious.
Vigilance is about behaviour. Suspecting people for their background is unfair and harms social harmony.
Check your understanding
Which is the best example of individual vigilance?
- Reporting a classmate who says he plans to hurt people.
- Keeping away from people who dress in a religious way.
- Sharing a post about a suspect online so that others stay alert.
Show the answer
Reporting a classmate who says he plans to hurt people.
Right. It responds to a real warning sign through a proper channel.