Cybercriminals Step Up Attacks on ASEAN Businesses: What Enterprises and Entrepreneurs Need to Know
In recent years, Southeast Asia has transformed into a dynamic and fast-growing digital economy. However, this rapid growth also attracts increased cyber threats — posing serious risks to businesses and entrepreneurs across the region.
Rising Cyber Threats in ASEAN
A recent report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky revealed that, in 2024, over 53 million attempts to hack into ASEAN businesses were detected and blocked. Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia experienced a significant surge in these attacks, with Indonesia facing nearly 15 million RDP-based brute-force attacks, a 25% increase from 2023, and Malaysia seeing a 14% rise.
RDP, or Remote Desktop Protocol, is a common tool that allows users to access computers remotely. While useful, it’s a major target for cybercriminals if not properly secured. Successful attacks can give bad actors access to sensitive company data, disrupt operations, or lead to financial losses.
Why Are These Attacks Increasing?
Cybercriminals now use advanced tools, including AI, to guess passwords more quickly and break into systems faster. For example, in recent months, Vietnam’s cybersecurity agency disclosed several high-profile targeted attacks against government and financial institutions, highlighting the growing threat landscape.
Impact on ASEAN’s Digital Economy
ASEAN countries are investing heavily in digital infrastructure to fuel economic growth. The region’s digital economy is anticipated to surpass $1 trillion by 2030. But persistent cyber threats threaten to derail this progress. Data breaches and cyberattacks can damage trust, hurt local businesses, and slow regional integration efforts.
Recognizing these risks, Singapore recently announced a new national cybersecurity strategy, allocating substantial funding for resilience and incident response. Similarly, regional efforts such as the ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy aim to strengthen collaboration among member countries to tackle cross-border cyber threats effectively.
Lessons from Recent Incidents
In early 2025, several ASEAN countries experienced cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. For instance, a ransomware attack disrupted parts of the Philippines’ banking network, forcing banks to operate manually for days. These incidents underscore the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures for enterprises and government agencies alike.
What Can Businesses and Entrepreneurs Do?
To defend themselves, companies in ASEAN should take immediate steps:
- Implement strong, unique passwords and update them regularly.
- Restrict RDP access to trusted networks or use secure VPNs.
- Enable Network Level Authentication (NLA).
- Adopt two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Turn off RDP if it’s not needed, and close port 3389.
- Use trusted cybersecurity tools, such as Kaspersky’s solutions, for comprehensive protection.
Conclusion
ASEAN’s digital economy offers immense potential, but success depends on strong cybersecurity defenses. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, regional cooperation and business resilience are vital. Entrepreneurs and enterprises must stay vigilant, invest in security, and collaborate across borders to ensure a safe digital future for Southeast Asia.
