Enterprises in the Asia/Pacific region are growing with a complex cybersecurity threat landscape led by geopolitical matters, automation, and AI-powered Cyber attacks. According to the recent IDC report, 59.6% of regional enterprises experienced ransomware attacks in 2023.
Cybercriminals deploy advanced tactics like double extortion and ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS), enabling even less skilled attackers to launch sophisticated assaults.
These increasingly targeted threats attack critical sectors such as healthcare, supply chains, and essential infrastructure.
“The Asia/Pacific region is experiencing rapid digital transformation, which has led to more sophisticated ransomware attacks,” says Sakshi Grover, Senior Research Manager, Cybersecurity Services, IDC Asia/Pacific. “Ransomware has significantly evolved, increasingly targeting critical infrastructure and operational technology environments. This shift highlights the urgent need for regional organizations to enhance their defenses and strategies.
“The rise in ransomware payments, fueled by the exploitation of vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and supply chains, resulted in 59.6% of Asia/Pacific enterprises falling victim to ransomware attacks in 2023. Furthermore, using AI-driven tactics has allowed cybercriminals to launch more precise and persistent attacks, posing additional challenges to the region’s cybersecurity resilience,” she added.
Attackers also leverage data theft and social media pressure to amplify their impact and extend their reach.
The rising interconnectivity of businesses also raises ransomware risks, with 36.4% of enterprises saying that third-party suppliers or customer systems were affected. This means more robust vendor risk management and supply chain security are required.
Many organizations are adopting AI-driven tools like Identity Analytics and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) to combat ransomware. Notably, 42% of surveyed enterprises found these tools effective in preventing attacks.
Additionally, robust backup and disaster recovery strategies, especially cloud-based solutions, are essential for maintaining resilience against ransomware. Organizations must continuously update their defenses as threats evolve to minimize financial damage.
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