Cybersecurity’s impenetrable form ensures the security of data, making it the number one line of defense against malware, viruses, ransomware, worms, and cyber thefts that loom the virtual space.
The Driving Force
Different countries have learned to invest in cybersecurity measures due to the rising number of crimes in the virtual space. They are investing in technologies such as Network Detection and Response NDR.
Not all perpetrators choose who their next victims will be. They will target anything from businesses, private companies, schools and universities, to government-run websites. They are dangerous because they are targeting ordinary data known to everyone, but mainly sensitive information to hold hostage. This gives them the power to infuse fear upon companies and manipulate their victims.
The damage caused by these occurrences usually cannot be easily repaired and restored, and returning to routine procedures could take time for companies recovering from an attack.
To counter these criminals before they can do anything detrimental to digital assets, one must invest in and maintain a robust cybersecurity defense system.
Southeast Asia’s Leap To Catch Up
Countries such as the United Kingdom, Russia, and Canada are investing immense fortunes in cybersecurity to prevent cyber threats. In Canada, for example, their federal government allotted one billion dollars for their cybersecurity measures. The United States, where nearly 58% of the digital security organizations reside, aim to discover better ways to battle cybercriminals and their cruel practices.
These are a few examples of how advanced western nations are in their cybersecurity measures. However, on the flip side of the globe, Southeast Asia is lagging.
SEA has a lot of catching up to do. Its countries require major overhauls and strengthening of their current cybersecurity measures in order to join the rest of the other countries at the top of the pyramid.
According to Sangfor experts, cybersecurity is a good investment because it is constantly improving. Even the most prepared foundations need to keep watch of their top-notch systems as it could wear off while criminal technology becomes more advanced.
Such a fact gives Southeast Asian nations enough incentive to formulate improved cyber safety policies. Because cybercriminal technology is constantly improving, countries are prompted to develop more effective ways to detect and eliminate threats. Investing in cybersecurity may be costly, but it’s worth it.
Different laws and policies governing cybersecurity are positive indicators that Southeast Asian countries have apparent efforts to meet the standards of western nations. The Philippines, for example, enacted Republic Act No. 10175 or “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012”, which aims to address crimes committed through computers.
Vietnam also made a significant move when it formed a strategic plan to empower the nation’s cybersecurity. They believe that preventing and detecting cyber threats is a top priority because of the damages that could be done. However, even with these new policies, the attacks continued, proving that these laws need to be revisited and adequately implemented to serve their true purpose.
In March 2020, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore were involved in a credit card data breach. This incident reminded Southeast Asian nations that their efforts to strengthen their cybersecurity measures were still not enough.
Following China’s Steps
Southeast Asian nations may further consult and seek advice from the top countries in cybersecurity like the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Canada to understand the different practices that these countries are doing. They may also adopt some policies and guidelines from these nations.
Currently, Asian countries such as China, which is now considered an AI powerhouse in Asia and the whole world, are already making a name in cybersecurity. The mighty nation has long been investing in its cybersecurity measures. Recently, one of their breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence is being used in different industries like education, the government, and their battle against cybersecurity threats.
Singapore is also following the footsteps of China in its quest to become an AI superpower. The country is slowly progressing in cybersecurity by investing in it and creating different policies to strengthen it.
Key Takeaway
The rest of Southeast Asia is also trying its best to catch up in the cybersecurity race. Little by little, these countries are acknowledging the importance of investing in their cybersecurity measures.
Today, private institutions and governments in these regions can avail themselves of top-notch solutions threat hunting tools such as Sangfor’s Cyber Command, continuous threat detection, and anti-ransomware software as a step towards safer cyberspace.
