The recently held Kaspersky APAC Online Policy Forum III discussed the real needs and goals of countries in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region when it comes to cybersecurity capacity building, education, and awareness and whose role it is to play in ensuring that these goals are met.
Discussions revolved around the theme of “Greater Cyber-resilience through Cyber Capacity Building,” the online event featured a high-level panel of speakers from the region to include Craig Jones, INTERPOL Cybercrime Director; Professor Li Yuxiao, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies and Secretary-General of the Cyber Security Association of China; Professor Seungjoo Kim, Professor of the School of Cybersecurity of Korea University, Head of the Department of Cyber Defense of Korea University, and Member of the Presidential Committee on the 4th Industrial Revolution; and Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.
“In the Cyber Age, as we experience an accelerated digital transformation, we’re facing security challenges that put a strain on cybersecurity resources. Investing in cyber talent and promoting security awareness and digital education for users are the keys to success in building cyber-resilient digital societies and economies,” according to Chris Connell of Kaspersky.
The cyber-resilience abilities of a nation are often limited by the know-how of its human resources and the quality of cross-border collaboration between the region’s private and public organizations. During the forum, the speakers shed light on the cybersecurity gaps stakeholders in APAC should address urgently to build safer cyberspace.
Multiple studies released for the past few years have noted the global cybersecurity skills gap, particularly in APAC, primarily driven by the region’s accelerated digitalization efforts, which does not come free of cybersecurity risks as highlighted by Craig Jones of INTERPOL.
“With the continued rise in cyber threats and cybercriminal activities impacting communities, a new paradigm has emerged for global law enforcement. One of the key challenges that INTERPOL identified are the gaps in law enforcement cyber capabilities and capacity, nationally, regionally and globally. Whilst these remain criminal networks are able to expand their infrastructure and activities. To overcome this challenge, law enforcement must be a trusted partner beyond national borders and sectors. Being collaborative, inclusive and open will help us reduce the gaps, bridging the divides in capabilities and capacity,” adds Craig Jones of the INTERPOL.
Professor Li Yuxiao, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, echoes Jones’ points in terms of focusing on the long-term and joint building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace. He also specified that cyber capacity building in APAC should “focus on network infrastructure, be alert to the challenges brought by cyber security, and strengthen the development of personnel training system” as the region continues to harness the power of Industry 4.0.
Driven by the low production costs, extensive industrial base, and greater support from local governments in APAC, the region is ripe to be the center and the biggest market for Industry 4.0 in the next five years. Professor Seungjoo Kim, a member of South Korea’s Presidential Committee on the 4th Industrial Revolution, cited success stories where countries are starting to beef up their cybersecurity policies and regulations alongside their intense drive towards a more connected society.
Kim notes, “As we enter the era of the 4th Revolution, cybersecurity is becoming more important than ever. For example, in the European Union, the regulations on automotive cybersecurity will be mandatory for all new vehicles produced from July 2024. As the importance of cybersecurity spreads across all areas, security experts are forced to have more in-depth domain knowledge than ever before. Now, it’s time for us to think about a more effective workforce development program to train security experts specialized in each industrial sector.”
From the part of Kaspersky, the global cybersecurity company has since been a trusted partner of INTERPOL. In 2019, Kaspersky has extended its cooperation with the law enforcement agency’s fight against cybercriminals by providing human resources support, training, and threat intelligence data on the latest cybercriminal activities.
The company, mindful of the talent gap in the region, has also expanded this year its popular SafeBoard internships program in APAC. Through this program, local candidates from Singapore were able to choose from a variety of technical and non-technical positions and to be exposed to the growing industry of cybersecurity.