Southeast Asia’s booming digital economy is a double-edged sword. While it presents exciting opportunities for businesses, it also creates a prime target for cybercriminals. A recent report by Kaspersky paints a concerning picture, revealing a staggering number of web threats targeting businesses in the region.
Alarming Rise in Web Attacks
Kaspersky’s security solutions for businesses in Southeast Asia (SEA) detected and blocked over 13 million web threats in 2023. This translates to a daily average of 36,552 attacks, a significant 31% increase compared to 2020. These web-based threats exploit vulnerabilities in end-user devices, web services, and their operators, potentially causing financial or reputational damage to targeted organizations.
| Country | 2022 | 2023 |
| Indonesia | 6,418,588 | 4,968,729 |
| Malaysia | 1,820,437 | 1,539,905 |
| Philippines | 492,567 | 1,691,167 |
| Singapore | 889,093 | 1,653,726 |
| Thailand | 1,232,311 | 1,531,430 |
| Vietnam | 2,485,168 | 1,956,618 |
| Grand Total | 13,338,164 | 13,341,575 |
The Philippines, Singapore, & Thailand Most Affected
The report highlights a worrying trend of increased attacks across key SEA markets. The Philippines saw a staggering 243% rise in web threats targeting businesses, with the number of attacks jumping from 492,567 in 2022 to a whopping 1,691,167 in 2023. Singaporean firms also faced a significant increase of 86%, with attacks rising from 889,093 to 1,653,726. While Thailand experienced a less dramatic increase of 24%, the jump from 1,232,311 attacks in 2022 to 1,531,430 in 2023 is still a cause for concern.
Urgency for Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures
Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, emphasizes the urgency for businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. He highlights the parallel growth of digital economies and cyber threats, stressing the need for robust security solutions alongside government initiatives fostering digitalization.
A recent study by Kaspersky reveals that Southeast Asian businesses are increasingly aware of the correlation between digitalization and cyber threats. Over a quarter (28%) of surveyed businesses acknowledge their heightened exposure to cyberattacks due to digitalization efforts. In addition, 16% of respondents reported experiencing increased pressure to disclose cyber incidents and comply with stricter cybersecurity regulations.
Kaspersky recommends that businesses move beyond basic firewalls and endpoint solutions. In today’s data-driven world, where cyberattacks can inflict immense financial and reputational damage, Yeo emphasizes the need for “adaptive and intelligence-led security solutions and services.”
This alarming rise in web threats underscores the critical need for Southeast Asian businesses to prioritize cybersecurity. By investing in advanced security solutions and staying informed about the latest threats (resources like Kaspersky’s Securelist.com can be valuable), businesses can effectively navigate the digital landscape and reap the benefits of a thriving digital economy.