Kaspersky, the global cybersecurity leader, has reported a sharp rise in malware attacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Southeast Asia in H1 2023. The company’s data reveals a 364% surge in incidents compared to the previous year, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures among Southeast Asian SMBs.
27 September 2023 – Kaspersky, a leading global cybersecurity company, has reported a substantial increase in malware attacks aimed at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operating in Southeast Asia during the first half of 2023. The cybersecurity firm revealed that its advanced security solutions successfully intercepted a total of 44,022 malware attacks targeting SMB employees across the region from January to June 2023, marking a staggering 364% surge compared to the 9,482 incidents recorded during the same period in 2022.
Kaspersky’s data highlights Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia as the countries most affected by these malicious cyber activities. In particular, Indonesia saw a sharp rise, with 11,969 attacks in the first half of 2023, compared to 6,534 in the same period last year. Likewise, Vietnam experienced a dramatic increase, with 25,194 malware attacks in H1 2023, compared to 1,240 in H1 2022.
The primary threats identified by Kaspersky include exploits, Trojans, backdoors, and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs). Exploits, which take advantage of software vulnerabilities without user intervention, emerged as the most significant threat in 2023. Trojans, known for their deceptive infiltration techniques, and backdoors, granting remote control to cybercriminals, also posed substantial risks. PUAs, though not inherently malicious, often disrupt user devices and have been used by cybercriminals to compromise security.
Cybercriminals employ diverse delivery methods, including exploiting vulnerabilities, phishing emails, and fake text messages. The rising threat of “smishing” or SMS-based phishing, where malicious links are sent through messaging apps, poses a particular concern for SMBs.
Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, stressed the importance of cybersecurity for the region’s SMBs, noting that they form a significant portion of Southeast Asia’s economy. To help SMBs bolster their cybersecurity defenses, Kaspersky recommends adopting a comprehensive strategy, such as the Kaspersky Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform.
As part of their commitment to enhancing SMB cybersecurity in Southeast Asia, Kaspersky is offering a special “Buy 1 Free 1” promotion. This promotion allows businesses to enjoy two years of enterprise-grade endpoint protection for the price of one, with options including Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business or Cloud and Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response Optimum, coupled with 24×7 phone support.
