Strengthening Cybersecurity Defenses in the Asia-Pacific Region

In an era dominated by digital advancements, the Asia-Pacific region finds itself at the forefront of cybersecurity challenges. A recent survey conducted by Kaspersky reveals that approximately 34 percent of companies in the region are considering hiring third-party professionals to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. This move comes in response to the escalating frequency and severity of digital attacks, with 77 percent of IT security professionals acknowledging that their companies have dealt with significant threats over the last two years.

One of the primary hurdles outlined in the survey is the scarcity of local cybersecurity professionals. The demand for skilled individuals is so acute that the region requires an additional 2.1 million security staff to bridge the gap. In response to this shortage, businesses are increasingly turning to outsourcing their cybersecurity needs to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs).

Energy and oil and gas companies are identified as the most likely industries to invest in third-party services. The study also underscores the interest in automating cybersecurity processes, with 51 percent of respondents expressing readiness to implement cybersecurity software within the next 12 months.

The advent of hybrid work models has further complicated the cybersecurity landscape, expanding the attack surface as employees access company networks from various locations. Business email compromise (BEC) attacks, a common threat in this scenario, aim to exploit vulnerabilities in remote work setups. Microsoft's cyber threat intelligence report reveals a staggering 35 million BEC attempts globally between April 2022 and April 2023, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Philippine Initiatives for Cybersecurity Excellence:

In response to the rising cases of hacking within institutions, Saint Louis University (SLU) has partnered with the National Association of Data Protection (NADPOP) and the Philippine Computer Emergency Response Team (PH-CERT) to establish a Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Global Center of Excellence. Launched on December 6, this initiative aims to empower data privacy and cybersecurity professionals in the Cordillera, Region 1, and Region 2.

Sam Jacoba, Founding President of NADPOP, acknowledges the crucial role of education in defense against cyber threats. He emphasizes the proactive stance of SLU, lauding it as a key partner in driving cybersecurity initiatives in the Philippines. The collaboration also aligns with the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Community Alliance (AJCCA), further fortifying the nation's cybersecurity ecosystem.

In the field of creative content, the Philippines faces challenges posed by online piracy. CitizenWatch Philippines advocates for prioritizing Senate Bills 2150 and 2385, filed by Senators Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. and Jinggoy Estrada, respectively. These bills aim to grant more powers to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, providing a legal framework to combat piracy and protect the intellectual properties of creative Filipinos.

As the Asia-Pacific region grapples with evolving cybersecurity threats, it becomes imperative for businesses to proactively secure their digital assets. Directpath Global Technologies stands as a reliable partner in this endeavor, offering a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services. From eXtended Detection and Response (XDR) to Vulnerability Risk Management as a Service (VRMaaS), Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), Web Application Firewall (WAF), to virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) services, Directpath Global Technologies provides tailored solutions to safeguard your business against the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

In an interconnected world, investing in robust cybersecurity measures and leveraging the expertise of trusted partners like Directpath Global Technologies ensures not only the protection of sensitive data but also the continuity of business operations in the face of relentless digital threats. As we navigate the complex cybersecurity terrain, let us forge a path toward a secure and resilient digital future.