Cyber threats surge in SEA: Kaspersky detects 13 million attacks

Kaspersky reports the detection and interception of over 13 million web threats aimed at businesses in Southeast Asia (SEA) throughout 2023. This represents a substantial rise in online attacks, reflecting a significant increase in digital threats within the region over the past year.

The global cybersecurity company disclosed that it encountered an average of 36,552 online attacks targeting businesses in SEA on a daily basis. Web threats, often facilitated by vulnerabilities in users, developers, or web services, can lead to significant damage for both individuals and organisations alike.

Detailed figures from Kaspersky highlight increased vulnerability across various countries in Southeast Asia in 2023. Notably, businesses in the Philippines experienced a 243% surge in web threats, escalating from 492,567 in 2022 to 1,691,167 the following year. Singapore also saw a significant rise of 86%, with web threats climbing from 889,093 to 1,653,726. Thailand recorded a 24% increase, moving from 1,232,311 to 1,531,430.

Conversely, certain nations such as Indonesia and Vietnam observed a decline in web threats. Indonesia's recorded threats fell from 6,418,588 in 2022 to 4,968,729 in 2023, while Vietnam saw a reduction from 2,485,168 to 1,956,618. Malaysia also experienced a decrease, with threats lowering from 1,820,437 to 1,539,905.

Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, stressed the importance for businesses in the region to escalate their cybersecurity measures. He remarked that traditional security measures such as basic firewalls and endpoint solutions are no longer sufficient in today's digital environment. With businesses handling vast amounts of data and facing severe reputational and financial consequences from cyberattacks, an adaptive and intelligence-led security solutions portfolio is imperative.

Economic experts predict a positive growth trajectory for key countries in Southeast Asia, alongside burgeoning digital economies. This expansion offers both opportunities and challenges, necessitating robust cybersecurity measures. As local governments work to amplify their digital economies and infrastructure, it becomes increasingly crucial for businesses to fortify their cyber defences against pervasive online threats.

A recent study underscored the awareness among companies in SEA regarding the correlation between digitalisation and heightened cyber threats. According to the findings, 28% of the surveyed businesses acknowledged their increased exposure to cyberattacks due to ongoing digitalisation efforts. Additionally, 16% mentioned a higher external pressure to report cyber incidents and adhere to cybersecurity practices.

In response to the escalating cyber threat landscape, Kaspersky introduced its new enterprise portfolio, Kaspersky Next. This next-generation product line is designed to shield businesses from sophisticated and emerging digital threats. Kaspersky Next offers a range of tools, including robust endpoint protection, essential EDR technology, and adaptable cloud-native solutions focused on enhancing cybersecurity for businesses of various sizes.

The introduction of Kaspersky Next is viewed as a timely development aimed at helping Southeast Asian businesses brace against the surge in web-based threats, the company states. This new suite of products is expected to deliver enhanced protection, ensuring that businesses can continue to grow and digitalise while safeguarding against potential cyber threats.